Water absorption characteristics of natural fibre reinforced polymer composite for various pretreatments of natural fibre

Abstract

It was observed through research that Natural Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composite have high water absorption capacity. In order to make the commercial use of natural fibres, which are abundantly available at a very less cost, their water absorption is to be reduced. It was found that the chemical and physical treatment of natural fibre improves their water resistant ability. The current project explores the different methods and treatments of natural fibre from the perspective of improving its water absorption properties. The aim of current project work is to prepare and test samples for their water absorption capability. Four different samples were required to be prepared in the ratio of 50:50 for fibres to matrix respectively. The samples have the natural fibres treated under different situations such as untreated, chicken fat under cold treatment,chicken fat under hot condition and NaOH treated. The experiment were conducted as per ASTM D570-98. The prepared samples were kept in the water and were taken out after an interval of 12 hours to check the water absorbed. This was continued till the saturation level. It has to be estimated if the samples follows Fick’s law. Keywords: Eco-sustainability, Epoxy Resin, Chicken fat, Fick’s Law