Study on Flexural Properties of Lotus, Eucalyptus Composites Reinforced with Epoxy and E-glass Fibers in Different Orientations

This paper is aimed to compare the flexural strength of composites made of each eucalyptus and lotus natural fibers reinforced with epoxy-hardener. Specimens were prepared in a mold by filling it with alkali (NaOH) treated fibers in criss-cross, biaxial, and uniaxial orientation. Half of the specimens were made with the inclusion of E-glass fiber to study its influence in the mechanical properties of composites prepared. All specimens were made by a typical hand lay-up technique succeeded by the soft compression method. The results from both fibers showed that the maximum flexural strength is shown in uniaxial arrangement whereas the minimum in the biaxial arrangement. However, the flexural strength of composites was increased by the incorporation of glass fiber. Further, the surface morphology at the cross-sections of specimens was studied using a scanning electron microscope.