Study of water absorption behaviour of natural fibre reinforced polymer composites under various pretreatment conditions of natural fiber

Abstract

It is 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 absorption ability. The current paper explores the different methods and treatments of natural fibre from the perspective of improving its water absorption properties. Keeping this in view the present work has been under taken to develop a polymer matrix composite (epoxy resin) using Coir fibre and to study its moisture absorption behavior. The composite are prepared with different volume of Coir fibre. This work aims to prepare and test samples for their water absorption capability. Four different samples are required to be prepared in the ratio of 30:70 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 are to be conducted as per ASTM D570-98. The prepared samples are to be kept in the water and are to be taken out after an interval of 12 hours to check the water absorbed. This has to be continued till the saturation level. It has to be estimated if the samples follow Fick’s law. Keywords: