Characterization study of Holoptelea integrifolia tree bark fibres reinforced epoxy composites

This study characterised the composite plate fabricated by epoxy matrix reinforced with alkaline-treated Holoptelea integrifolia tree bark fibre. Tensile and flexural test results clearly show that the mechanical characteristics of pure resin improve in direct proportion to the fibre up to 40%. However, impact test results show that 30% fibre mass ratio composite showed higher mechanical properties. The H. integrifolia fibre composites (HIFC) specimens were also characterised by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) and thermogravimetric analysis-differential scanning calorimetry (TGA-DSC) analysis. FESEM results show that the bonding between fibre and matrix was excellent. EDAX reveals the elemental proportion of HIFC. O-H, C- H, C-O-C, moisture content and aromatic structure are evident by FTIR spectroscopy. Thermal analysis reveals that the composites degrade rapidly when exposed above 210 degrees C.