ABSTRACT
The effect of notches on the strength of Coir – reinforced cashew nut shell resin composite was investigated. Composite laminates with six different fibre contents (0,0,1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 volume fractions) were fabricated using the hand lay – up moulding method. A static fracture testing equipment was designed and fabricated in the absence of a functional fracture testing machine. Static fracture tests were performed on the notched composites with different notch depths and locations. The 0.4 volume fraction of the fibre was determined as the optimum level of fibre necessary for reinforcing the composites for maximum strength. The fracture strength of the composite increased with decreasing notch depth. The strength of the laminates also increased with the notch locations. Again, varying both notch depths and locations had no effect initially on the strength of the composite.
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Natural fibre is commonly regarded as waste and is disposed by burning or on landfills and this practice contributes to pollution. In order to preserve the environment, it is necessary to find economically feasible solutions to natural fibre as recyclable materials which could be used for different applications, ranging from handicrafts to reinforcement elements for composite materials (Sukumaran, et al, 1982).
Coconut palm tree (coco nucifera) is a multivalent fibre producer. Its fibre can be extracted from any part of the leaves, the long leaf sheath, the midribs of the leaves, the balk of the stalk and the fruit crust. Coir fibres are extracted from both the exocarp and the endocarp of the fruit. These coir fibres are currently being used in the form of mats in applications such as substrates for ornamental plants, soil support and seat cushion for automobiles.
Since the application of natural fibres is of current interest around the world and a commercial potential market already exists,
the present work investigates the effect of notches on the strength of coir-reinforced cashew nut shell resin composite.
1.1 RELEVANCE OF THE RESEARCH
The fibre from the coconut fruit crust that is nowadays disposed as an unwanted waste is a recyclable potential alternative to be used in polymeric matrix composite materials like ceiling boards or gypsum panels.
The effect of notches on the strength of the composite is critical to its application in engineering systems and this is the primary aim of this study.
Therefore, the objectives of this study are:
1. To determine the effect of notch depths and locations on the strength of the composite.
2. To determine the optimum level of fibre necessary for reinforcing the composite.
1.2 SCOPE OF THE WORK
The study was based on experimental approach. Analytical and mathematical methods were employed in processing test data results. Allowable experimental errors and accuracy of measuring tools were noted. For example, while measuring the resin with the graduated cylinder prior to lamination, not all the measured quantity was emptied into the mixing container because of the resin’s viscosity. To offset this error, the least quantity of resin that stuck to the measuring cylinder was determined and added to the required volume.
This material content is developed to serve as a GUIDE for students to conduct academic research
THE EFFECT OF NOTCHES ON THE STRENGTH OF COIR – REINFORCED CASHEW NUT SHELL RESIN COMPOSITE
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