Comparative Structural Analysis Of Ukam Plant (Cochlospermum Planchonii) Fibre Reinforced Polyester Composite With Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polyester Composite

ABSTRACT

Exploring natural occurring fibres as an engineering manufacturing material is a growing interest. The mechanical properties of ukam fibre reinforced polyester (UFRP) composite were studiedfor possible structural applications in engineering by comparing its mechanical properties with that of a carbon fibre (Synthetic fibre). Basically, the hand lay-up method was employed to manufacture the test samples of the composite by 40:60 weight ratio. The samples where tested for mechanical properties using the universal INS TRON tensile machine, flexural testing equipment and the Izod impact testing machine (ASTM D256 Standard). Consequently, the experiments demonstrated that the Ukam fibre reinforced polyester composite has a Young modulus of].] GPa in tension and 1.7 GPa in compression, a maximum breaking stress on impact of 1.77 N/mm2with 6. 7] joules of energy absorbed. This was compared to the carbon fibre reinforced polyester composite which has a young modulus of 2.07 GPa in tension and 2.14 GPa in compression, a maximum breaking stress on impact of 2.27 N/mm2with 7.30 joules of energy absorbed. The above results indicate that ukam fibre- reinforced polyester composite is suited for low cost applications in engineering and is a good alternative to artificial carbon fibre.