The fiber loading capacity and poor adhesion between fibers and matrix remain an area of concern in fiber polymer composites. The fiber loading capacity and aspect ratio of mercerized Urena Lobata Fibers on mechanical properties (tensile strength, tensile modulus, tensile toughness, tensile elongation, flexural and impact strength) of Urena Lobata fiber epoxy composites were investigated. Urena Lobata fiber was extracted using water retting approach. The extracted fiber was mercerized at optimum treatment condition of 3.504wt% NOAH and 50.322 mins soaking time. The epoxy resin mixed with amine hardener 103 in the ratio of 2:1 was coming led with treated and untreated fibers respectively at optimum treatment conditions. The fiber loading of 10-50wt% and aspect ratio of 42.68-213.38mm/mm were used. The mechanical properties of mercerized Urena Lobata fiber epoxy composites were determined and optimized using RSM of MATLAB statistical tool box. The tensile strength, tensile modulus, tensile toughness, elongation, flexural strength and impact strength for unreinforced epoxy resin was 44.2MPa, 1.9716GPa, 0.8177MPa, 3.1%, 85.4MPa and 360kj/m². At optimum aspect ratio and fiber loading, the mercerized Urena Lobata fiber increased the tensile strength, tensile modulus, tensile toughness, elongation, flexural strength and impact strength of unreinforced epoxy resin by 40.20, 75.30, 85.40, 16, 101.00 and 34.50% respectively.

Urena Lobata fiber, epoxy resin, mercerization, mechanical properties.

Received: May 24, 2021; Accepted: July 6, 2021; Published: October 8, 2021

How to cite this article: Uzondu Francis Nnamuzie, Obibuenyi John Ifeanyi and Nkwocha Anyadike Chineleobi, Mercerized Urena Lobata Fiber Epoxy Composites: Fiber Loading, Aspect Ratio And Mechanical Properties, International Journal of Materials Engineering and Technology 20(1) (2021), 73-91. DOI: 10.17654/MT020020073 

This Open Access Article is Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

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