Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences
ISSN: Online 1818-7803ISSN: Print 1816-949x
Abstract
Specimens of sisal-fiber reinforced epoxy composites were prepared using a fiber content of 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0% by weight while control samples had no fiber. The length of the fiber in the composites was 10, 20 or 220 mm for tensile specimens and 10, 20 or 78 mm for flexural specimens. After casting and allowing for the recommended curing period, the samples were tested for ultimate tensile and bending strength. The tensile stress was found to range from 31.3 to 56.3 MPa while the flexural stress ranged from 83.7 to 113.2GPa. Both the tensile and flexural strength of the composites increased with increase in sisal fiber content within the range of 0-2%. The highest increase in a structural property due to increase in fiber content (136.6%) was observed in the modulus of elasticity of tensile specimens. The increase in the modulus of elasticity in the flexural specimens as a result of an increase in fiber content however was only a moderate 34.3 %. The tensile strain decreased as the fiber weight was increased from 0-1% but increased slightly when the fiber content was further increased to 2%. Increasing the fiber length had no or little effect on the tensile strength, strain or modulus of elasticity of composites under tension. However, there was a marked increase in flexural strength and flexural modulus of elasticity when the fiber length was increased from 0-78 mm. These results indicate that adding limited quantities of sisal fiber to epoxy resins has some structural benefits.
How to cite this article:
Gikuru Mwithiga and Janet Mutheu Mwania . Influence of Sisal-Fiber Content on the Tensile and Bending Strength of Sisal-Epoxy Composites.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/jeasci.2006.508.513
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1816-949x/jeasci.2006.508.513