Processing and Characterization of Coconut Coir-Human Hair Reinforced Epoxy based Composites

Abstract

A composite material is a alliance of two or more materials arranged in the pattern of layerby layer using
binding material through some prescribed methods. Recently there is a escalation in natural fibre based composites due
to their many advantages like easily available, low cost etc. The mechanical behaviour of a composite material depends
on many factors such as fibre content, orientation, types and length etc. The effect of fibre loading on the mechanical
properties behaviour of fabricated composite is analysed.
The objective of this research work is to manufacture a hybrid composite material with coir and human hair. To remove
dirt particles initially fibre is weild with sodium hydroxide solution. The fabrication of composite will be done by hand
layup process. Initially for trail formulations some preliminary tests are made. After the trail formulations, a maximum
fibre placed in the mould is arrived and based on that distinct compositions are considered and casting is made on the
glass mould stationed on the different compositions. After the mould is prepared using hand lay up process moulds are
cutted stationed on the ASTM standards for the mechanical properties.
The mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural and impact strength, Rockwell hardness strength are determined by
conducting tests for the samples sliced from the fabricated composite material as per ASTM standards