The Experimental Investigation on Water Absorption Characteristics of Natural Fiber Composites

Abstract:

Natural fibers are used for replacing synthetic fibers as reinforcement in various matrices. This paper is presents the fabrication and water absorption characteristics of various natural fibers reinforced composite fabricated by hand layering technique. The water absorbing capacity, diffusion and permeability of various natural fibers like rice straw, Kenaf, Coconut Spathe, Coconut Guinit reinforced composite with different dipping time intervals were analyzed. Morphological analysis was carried out on fabricated and soaked samples using scanning electron microscope. From the experimental work it is observed that coconut guinits and rice straw shows comparatively very low water absorbing capacity. Alkaline treatment of fibers doesnot have any major variation in water absorbing capacity.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volumes 984-985)
• Pages: 248-252
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.984-985.248
• Online since: July 2014
• Authors: S. Vijayakumar*, S. Manikandan, L. Karunamoorthy
• Keywords: Green Composites, Natural Fiber, SEM, Water Absorption

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