Characterization studies on <i>Calotropis procera</i> fibers and their performance as reinforcements in epoxy matrix

Abstract

This study aims to characterize and find the suitability of Calotropis procera fibers to reinforce polymer matrices from Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction studies. Composite samples are prepared using varying weight % of Calotropis procera fibers with epoxy resin as matrix and the effect of fiber loading on the tensile, flexural, impact and water absorption properties are conducted and reported. It is found that fiber loading improves the mechanical strength of the composites and it is attributed to the strong bonding that exists between the fiber reinforcement and the matrix polymer. Fiber loading in excess of 40 weight % leads to decrease in the mechanical strength, while no significant difference in water absorption is noticed when the fiber loading exceeds 30 weight %. The study suggests that Calotropis procera fibers are promising candidates to reinforce polymers and can be used for the fabrication of composites.