Role of Silk Fiber Loading on Physico-Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Composites

Researchers have suggested the usage of lightweight materials in the automotive and other engineering components which has proven to be one of the potential ways to meet demand for fuel efficiency and eliminate greenhouse gas emissions generated by the manufacturing industries. In this study, silk fiber (Bombyx-mori) reinforced epoxy biocomposites were fabricated by hand layup method with different loadings of fiber and their physico-mechanical properties were studied following acceptable ASTM standards. The properties of the epoxy matrix were significantly enhanced with the silk fiber loading, displaying optimum properties at 50 wt. % silk fiber loading. The findings also led that morphology of silk fiber and surface adhesion with the epoxy matrix affects the properties of biocomposites. Such findings provide perspective into the benefits of fiber reinforcements to the physio-mechanical performance of the epoxy resin. The mechanism of failure and consequently the adhesion between fibers and matrix were analyzed by observing the photomicrographs of the damaged coupons.