LITERATURE SURVEY

Various properties of natural fibers and there composites has been studied. The review from various
studies and research projects are as follows:

In 1978 Tadashi Ohsawa, Akira Nakayama, Minoru Miwa, Akira Hasegawa, studied how the critical fiber
length for glass fiber reinforced thermosetting resins depend on the temperature.
A method was developed to accurately define the critical fiber length and the temperature dependence of
the critical fiber length was calculated for glass fiber epoxy and glass fiber-unsaturated polyester resin
composites. If an unbroken glass fiber is inserted in the matrix and the system is subjected to a tensile
strain more than the ultimate tensile strength of the fiber, the fiber breaks into many pieces. If the average
length of the broken pieces (L1) is measured, the critical fiber length (Lc) is expressed as Lc= 4/3*L1.
The critical fiber length significantly increases with increasing temperature and the seeming shear
strength at the interface decreases linearly with increasing temperature. The results are as follows:
A system in which continous glass fiber is inserted in the matrix and is subjected to tensile strain more
than the ultimate tensile strain of the glass fiber, the fiber breaks into many trashes.
If the average length of the broken trashes (L1) is measured, the critical fiber length (Lc) is stated as Lc
=4/3*L1. The critical aspect ratio increases with increasing temperature and the apparent shear strength at
the interface, calculated from the critical aspect ratio, decreases linearly with increasing temperature
within the experimental range.

In 2002 Giovanni Belingardi, Roberto Vadori performed impact tests (Low velocity) of laminate
glass-fiber-epoxy matrix composite material plates.
The performance of laminate glass-fiber-epoxy matrix composite ​plates subjected to low velocity
impact tests has been examined, succumbing to the typical drop dart test a number of plates made by
glass-fiber-epoxy matrix films both with unidirectional and woven corroboration and with different
stacking sequence. The tests have three results i.e. rebound, stop or perforation based on the potential
energy originally supplied to the dart by setting its dropping height.
The curves for force vs. displacement and energy vs. displacement for different types of composite plates
have been drawn on the graph showing a superimposition. These results states that for the given material,
the type of loading and the considered range of impact speed, the glass fiber epoxy matrix has zero
sensitivity to the strain rate effect. The force versus displacement curves permits to identify two verges
i.e. the maximum force and the first damage force. These two parameters are considerably equal,
correspondingly, for two types of laminated plates made by unidirectional armoured layers and for the 3
types of laminated plates armoured layers. The inspection of the energy values (i.e. the saturation impact
energy and the damage degree) licences us to describe the parameters of curiosity for the designer.

In 2007 R. Velmurugan a , V. Manikandan studied ​Mechanical properties of palmyra/glass fiber hybrid

composites.

Use of eco friendly composites gains attraction due to its lightweight and moderate strength in the recent
years. Palmyra fiber is a natural fiber obtained from Palmyra (Borassus flabellifer) tree. Mechanical
properties of randomly mixed short fiber composites are studied and optimum fiber length and wt% are
estimated. This paper deals with the properties of (randomly mixed) palmyra fiber, glass fiber hybrid
composites. Two types of specimens are prepared, one by mixing the palmyra and glass fiber and the
other by sandwiching palmyra fiber between the glass fiber mats. Composite plates are prepared for
different palmyra/glass fiber weight ratio. Rooflite resin is used as matrix. Tensile, impact, shear and
bending properties are studied. The mechanical properties of the composites are improved due to the
addition of glass fiber along with palmyra fiber in the matrix. The glass fiber skin–palmyra fiber core
construction exhibits better mechanical properties than dispersed construction. Moisture absorption
studies are conducted and the results are presented as a function of square root of time. Addition of glass
fiber with palmyra fiber in the matrix decreases the moisture absorption of the composites.

In 2007 SUHARA PANTHAPULAKKAL AND MOHINI SAIN, ​Studied on the Water Absorption
Properties of Short Hemp—Glass Fiber Hybrid Polypropylene Composites.

This study aims to investigate the moisture absorption of short hemp fiber and hemp-glass hybrid
reinforced thermoplastic composites to study their suitability in outdoor applications. The water
absorption properties and its effect on the tensile properties of hemp and hemp/glass fiber hybrid
polypropylene (PP) composites prepared by an injection molding process were investigated
Investigation in to the water absorption properties of hemp/glass fiber hybrid PP composites as a function
of glass fiber content showed that resistance to moisture diffusion to the composites was increased with
hybridization with glass fibers. Maximum moisture content in the composite decreased with the
incorporation of glass fibers and remained more or less the same with the temperature. The calculated
diffusion coefficient of the composites was found to be dependant on the temperature and glass fiber
content. Water absorbed by the composite had a detrimental effect on the tensile strength and the modulus
of both hemp fiber and hybrid fiber composites. Tensile strength of the re-dried aged samples indicated a
permanent damage to the fiber and/or interface and hence to the composites. The results indicated that
long term aging in water decrease the strength properties of the composites, irrespective of the hybrid
nature of the composites.

In 2008 ANSHIDA HANEEFA, PANAMPILLY BINDU, INDOSE ARAVIND AND SABU THOMAS
Studied the Tensile and Flexural Properties of Short Banana/Glass Hybrid Fiber Reinforced Polystyrene
Composites.
The hybridization approach has been made use of in order to make cost effective composites. It was found
that the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the composite increase with increase in volume fraction
of glass fiber. This is due to the greater compatibility of glass fiber than banana fiber with polystyrene.
However, the elongation at break decreases with increase in volume fraction of glass fibers. This is due to
the lower elongation at break value of glass fiber. Flexural strength and flexural modulus show a similar
trend. The effect of fiber loading on tensile properties shows a regular increase in properties up to 30%.
Hybrid effects in mechanical properties were calculated using the additive rule of hybrid mixtures.
Tensile properties show positive hybrid effect. Fracture behavior of tensile failure samples were analyzed
from scanning electron micrographs (SEM). It was clear from the SEM that the tensile failure is mainly
due to fiber pull out. Chemical modifications such as alkali treatment, benzoyl chloride treatment and
PSMA improved the tensile properties of the composite. These chemical modifications resulted in
enhanced fiber dispersion in the composites, reduced hydrophilicity of banana fiber, and improved
fiber/matrix compatibility through mechanical anchoring, physical and chemical bonding. The theoretical
and experimental tensile properties of longitudinally oriented banana/ glass hybrid composites in
polystyrene matrix with volume fraction of glass were evaluated. All the models except parallel show
good agreement with experimental results.

In 2010 Naidu M. Ashok Kumar, G. Ramachandra Reddy, Y. Siva Bharathi, S. Venkata Naidu and V.
Naga Prasad studied ​Frictional Coefficient, Hardness, Impact Strength, and Chemical Resistance of
Reinforced Sisal-Glass Fiber Epoxy Hybrid Composites.
The epoxy-based hybrid composites were developed by combining the sisal and glass fibers into epoxy
matrix. Hardness, impact strength, frictional coefficient, and chemical resistance of hybrid composites
with and without alkali treatments were studied. Variation of the aforementioned mechanical properties
and chemical resistance was studied with different fiber lengths such as 1, 2, and 3 cm. A 9 vol. % of the
sisal and glass fibers was reinforced into the epoxy matrix. The aforementioned mechanical properties
were optimally improved at 2-cm fiber length when compared with 1 and 3 cm fiber lengths. Chemical
resistance was also significantly improved for all chemicals except sodium carbonates and toluene.

In 2010 Sanjay K. Nayak, Smita Mohanty, Sushanta K. Samal, explained the ​Influence of Interfacial
Adhesion on the Structural and Mechanical Behavior of PP-Banana/Glass Hybrid Composites.

Hybridization of polymer matrix with two or more fibers into a single matrix leads to the development of
hybrid composites with a great diversity in material properties.
Banana fiber obtained from the pseudo-stem of banana plant (Musa sepientum) is a stem fiber. Banana
plants are widely distributed in tropical countries and have been a waste product of banana cultivation.
The fibers can be used for various industrial purposes without any further investment in banana fiber
extraction and retting.
Mechanical Properties (Stress–Strain Behavior):

1. The initial portion of the tensile curve appears straight, indicating that the composite behaves
elastically in this region. The presence of the fibers restricts the growth of microcracks, inhibiting
matrix failure and increasing average matrix strength.The proper proportionality of stress to the
strain in PP matrix indicates an elastic deformation.
2. The failure strain decreases with the addition of the fibers because addition of a rigid fiber
restricts the mobility of the polymer molecules to flow freely past over one another thereby
leading to premature failure.

In 2012 Mei-po Ho a , Hao Wang a , Joong-Hee Lee b , Chun-kit Ho c , Kin-tak Lau , Jinsong Leng e ,
David Hui f, explained the Critical factors on manufacturing processes of natural fibre composites.
Injection moulding of composites is a process that forces a measured amount of mixture which contains
molten polymer and fibre into mould cavities.Residual stress and fibre orientation with respect to the
depth are also the critical issues which affect the modulus distribution of the injection moulded
composites.
There are numerous issues that should be concern during the injection moulding process to obtain the
optimal properties of the resulting natural fibre composites and avoid development of residual stress
which cause warpage, stress cracking, and long-term deformation. Process, material and geometric
parameters should be optimised to minimise these problems happen. Process parameters include the melt
temperature, injection and screw speeds, injection pressure and the mould temperature that can be
controlled on the injection units.
The development of natural fibre reinforced polymer composites has been a hot topic recently due to the
increasing environmental awareness on reducing the use of fossil fuel and its related products. Natural
fibre can be classified for plant-based and animal-based. The selection criteria are highly dependent on
their type, application and cost. However, there is still uncertain on which type of manufacturing
processes that are suitable for producing these composites as their materials and mechanical
characteristics are different as compared with traditional carbon and glass fibre composites in general.

In 2012 J. Olumuyiwa Agunsoye*, Talabi S. Isaac, Sanni O. Samuel ​Studied the Mechanical Behaviour
of Coconut Shell Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composite.

The morphology and mechanical properties of coconut shell reinforced polyethylene composite have been
evaluated to establish the possibility of using it as a new material for engineering applications. Coconut
shell reinforced composite was prepared by compacting low density polyethylene matrix with 5% - 25%
volume fraction coconut shell particles and the effect of the particles on the mechanical properties of the
composite produced was investigated. The result shows that the hardness of the composite increases with
increase in coconut shell content though the tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, impact energy and
ductility of the composite decreases with increase in the particle content. Scanning Electron Microscopy
(SEM) of the composites (with 0% - 25% particles) surfaces indicates poor interfacial interaction between
the coconut shell particle and the low density polyethylene matrix. This study therefore exploits the
potential of agro-based waste fiber in Nigeria as an alternative particulate material for the development of
a new composite.

In 2013 M. Boopalan, M. Niranjanaa, M.J. Umapathy,​Studied on the mechanical properties and thermal
properties of jute and banana fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composites
The aim of the present study is to investigate and compare the mechanical and thermal properties of raw
jute and banana fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composites. To improve the mechanical properties, jute
fiber was hybridized with banana fiber. The jute and banana fibers were prepared with various weight
ratios (100/0, 75/25, 50/50, 25/75 and 0/100) and then incorporated into the epoxy matrix by moulding
technique to form composites. The tensile, flexural, impact, thermal and water absorption tests were
carried out using hybrid composite samples. This study shows that addition of banana fiber in jute/epoxy
composites of up to 50% by weight results in increasing the mechanical and thermal properties and
decreasing the moisture absorption property. Morphological analysis was carried out to observe fracture
behavior and fiber pull-out of the samples using scanning electron microscope.
 RESEARCH GAP

From literature survey, many different types of composites have been made using natural and synthetic
fibers. Natural fiber replaces the synthetic fiber due to its superior properties for example high specific
strength, small weight, and low cost, moderately good mechanical property, non abrasive recyclable and
bio-degradable features. Most of the researchers have used different fabrication techniques but, hand
layup method is mostly used because it is easy to process among other process.
The natural fiber is superior to the synthetic fiber due to its small weight, high strength, low cost and
biodegradable features but the mechanical properties of the natural fibers are not as good as synthetic
composites.
The research in the field of natural/bio fiber made positive changes to make it surpass the commercially
available synthetic fibers. So, the research on the behaviour and properties of various natural fiber
composites is to be done to improve its mechanical behaviour.
By changing the parameter of either matrix or reinforcement mechanical properties of hybrid composite
such as tensile strength, impact strength, water absorption, thermal conductivity, flexural strength also
changes.
 OBJECTIVE

The prime objective of this project is to develop a natural fiber composite which have high specific
strength, small weight, and low cost, moderately good mechanical property, non abrasive recyclable and
bio-degradable features. Their mechanical properties such as tensile strength, impact strength, flexural
strength are also to be studied.

Recently, there has been a rapid growth in research and innovation in the natural fibre composite (NFC)
area. Interest is warranted due to the advantages of these materials compared to others, such as synthetic
fibre composites, including low environmental impact and low cost and support their potential across a
wide range of applications. Much effort has gone into increasing their mechanical performance to extend
the capabilities and applications of this group of materials.​So there is a need of some good research in this
field.
 WORK DONE

We have done literature survey of various composites and came to know about different properties and
behaviour of various natural and synthetic fibres used in composites. We have studied about various
fabrication techniques and found that hand layup method is mostly used because it is easy to process
among other process.
So we have done various studies to develop a natural fiber composite whose mechanical properties such
as tensile strength, impact strength, flexural strength are to be tested.