Author(s) :

Sumaila, M., Ibhadode, A.O.A..

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Present ecological concerns have motivated the quest for materials that are low in weight, cheap, environmentally friendly and renewable, while having high specific strength and stiffness. This paper describes the production of a chopped strand, random oriented, non-woven plant fibre mat reinforced epoxy composite for automotive applications. Fibers from eight fibrous plants found in northern Nigeria were used as reinforcement of epoxy resin to produce the composites at 40%v/v filler content. The tensile and flexural strengths, impact energy, density and moisture absorption of each formulation were determined and compared with those reinforced with E-glass fibre mat. The results obtained for the tensile, flexural strengths and the impact energy of plant fibre composite samples were aggregated and ranked. Sisal (Agave sisalana), Lalloh (Corchorus accitangulus B.) and Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) fiber reinforced composites exhibited the best mechanical property combination in that order. The flexural modulus and the impact energy of the plant fiber were respectively 70% and 40% higher than the glass fiber reinforced composite.

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