Comparative Study of Impact Properties of Coir & Aloe Vera Based Composites With GFRP

摘要

This study compares the use of Coir & Aloe vera fibre composites and that of GFRPs for use in bumpers in automotive applications. White Coir was chosen because of its excellent anti-weathering property and high strain to failure. A multi-fibre composite was devised by blending both Aloe vera and coir and weaving them to form a bi-directional mat. Other samples contained pure Coir and pure Aloe vera, both in randomly oriented mats and bi-directional mats. Before composite fabrication, the fibres were subjected to chemical modification using NaOH, to decrease water absorption. They were reinforced in a matrix of Polypropylene / Polyester. The fabricated natural fibre composite samples along with GFRPs were subject to impact testing by un-notched Charpy Impact test. SEM analysis was carried out on the fracture surfaces of impact samples.