EVALUATION OF THERMO-MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF HEMP FIBER POLYMER COMPOSITES

The use of natural fiber is gaining momentum as a substitute to glass or carbon reinforcement in polymer composites. The effect of high moisture content in fibers causes poor adhesion to the matrix, which degrading the composites' mechanical qualities. This degradation of mechanical qualities led to the exclusion of natural fiber reinforced composites in previous research. This study seeks to overcome the interfacial problem. Hemp fibers are strong, durable, and have favorable volatility in characteristics compared to other textile fibers. The hemp fiber surface treatment utilizing alkaline solutions enhanced fiber-matrix adhesion. Thermal degradation of hemp fiber polymerization was investigated via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), revealing that the hemp fibers are stable up to 230 degrees C. The most frequent production approach for open mold composites is the hand layup method recommended in this study. Mechanical test results indicate that hemp fiber treatment enhances both the tensile and flexural capabilities of epoxy composite reinforced with hemp fiber (5%, 7.5%, and 10% by weight). Alkali-treated hemp fiber composite reinforced with 10% by weight had the maximum tensile and flexural strengths of 80.52 and 56.52 MPa, respectively. Tensile strength of treated fiber composites containing 5%, 7.5%, and 10% hemp fiber was improved by 32.23%, 30.69%, and 49.04% respectively, when compared to untreated hemp composites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the untreated and treated surfaces of hemp fibers.