Mechanical properties of reinforced polyester and epoxy composites of corn (Zea mays) stalk fibre

Utilization of the increased biomass of corn (Zea mays L.) after adoption of hybrid cultivars and to avoid problems like residue burning, its textile application can be explored for sustainable agriculture. Extraction of fibre was done by optimizing alkali extraction parameters. The effect of corn stalk fibre loading on the properties of composite material was analyzed. In epoxy resin composite sample, 10 g fibre loading with matrix resulted tensile strength as 4.33 MPa. With the increase in fibre loading in the matrix, material strength of fibre also increased, whereas the differential increase in flexural strength from 10-30 g was seen as 13.23 MPa in epoxy resin composite. The impact strength in epoxy resin composite of 10-20 g fibre loading was 30.92 J/m and 45.67 J/m thickness, respectively whereas at 30 g fibre loading impact strength was maximum i.e. 60.45 J/m thickness. In polyester resin composite, one layered composite sample (10 g fibre's volume) has 7.74 MPa tensile strength while two layered composite material have 15.09 MPa. Impact strength in three layered corn stalk composite material reinforced with polyester was much higher (60.29 J/m thickness) which is very appreciable for high impact/shock applications. From these results it was concluded that 100% corn stalk 3 layered composite sample have better mechanical properties than the other layered composites and can be used in high strength application if the fibre loading is increased in appropriate amount. It was also concluded that the epoxy resin applied specimens have better strength properties as compared to polyester resin specimen.