Investigation of Physico-Mechanical and Moisture Absorption Characteristics of Raw and Alkali Treated New Agave Angustifolia Marginata (AAM) Fiber

Authors

  • Ramakrishnan THIRUMALAISAMY Sri Eshwar College of Engineering,Coimbatore,Tamilnadu,India,Pin 641202
  • Sampath PAVAYEE SUBRAMANI

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5755/j01.ms.24.1.17542

Keywords:

natural fibers, alkali treatment, physico-mechanical properties, moisture absorption, SEM

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to introduce the new natural fiber for use as reinforcement in polymer matrix composites due to their significant properties like lesser weight, biodegradability, load carrying structures, non-toxic and cost effective. The Agave Angustifolia Marginota (AAM) fiber possesses rich cellulose content which is the cheapest and available sufficiently. An effort has been taken in the extraction of AAM leaf fibers followed by an investigation of its physical, mechanical and moisture absorption properties. The outcome of the fiber before and after alkali treatment was analyzed in terms of diameter, length, aspect ratio and density. The AAM fibers were treated with 2%, 5%, 10% and 15% NaOH solution and subjected to different holding time as 1, 2, 4, 6 & 8 hrs in each combination and the effect of alkali treatments were explored. Analysis of the tensile strength, aspect ratio, weight loss and water absorption of the fibers are also carried out. It is exciting to note that the 5 % NaOH treatment with 1 hour holding time ascertain substantial improvement in tensile properties of the fibers than the others. A Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) is used to analyze the morphology study of the varying alkali concentration of the fibers with different immersing time.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ms.24.1.17542

Author Biographies

Ramakrishnan THIRUMALAISAMY, Sri Eshwar College of Engineering,Coimbatore,Tamilnadu,India,Pin 641202

works as Assistant Professor at Sri Eshwar College of
Engineering,Kinathukadavu,Tamilnadu, India in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. He holds an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering and a master’s degree in CAD/CAM. He has 7.5 years of academic experience. His research interest is natural fiber reinforced composite materials. He has published articles in 4 international journals and 10 national conferences

Sampath PAVAYEE SUBRAMANI

Dr. P. S. Sampath, Professor, Department Of Mechanical Engineering at K. S.Rangasamy College of Technology, Tiruchengode has academic experience of 16 years, Research experience of 10 years and has Industrial experience of 2 years. He has obtained his Bachelor‟s Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1995 from the Bharathiyar University, Coimbatore. He did his Master Degree in Polymer Science and Engineering from Anna University, Chennai and he has received Ph.D. Degree from the Anna University, Chennai for his work in polymer composite material using
glass fiber/epoxy/polyuerathane Interpenetrating network polymers to improve theInterlaminar fracture toughness of Composite Materials. He has published more than 15 international Journals, 25 International conference and 50 national conferences

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Published

2018-02-18

Issue

Vol. 24 No. 1 (2018)

Section

POLYMERS AND COMPOSITES, WOOD

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