Studies on the Properties of Short Okra/Glass Fibers Reinforcedepoxy Hybrid Composites

Abstract

This paper presents an investigation on the mechanical and water absorption properties of okra and glass fibersreinforced epoxy hybrid composite as a potential material for engineering applications. The properties of randomly oriented okra fibers were studied as a function of different fiber lengths (10mm, 20mm, 30mm, 40mm, and 50mm) and okra: glass hybridization ratios (90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50)at 15 wt % total fiber loading using the hand lay-up method followed by compression. The results indicated that fiber lengths and hybridization ratios do greatly influence the properties of reinforced hybrid composites, as the error analysis showed that generally, there were significant differences in the properties at different fiber lengths and different hybridization ratios. The 20mm fiber length composite exhibited the highest tensile strength (10.707MPa), modulus of elasticity (698.84MPa) and minimal water absorption (4.3%) properties compared to the other fiber length used in the composites. The 40mm composite had the highest elongation at break of 10.24mm. The 50: 50 hybridization ratios exhibited the highest tensile strength of 12.358MPa, Modulus of elasticity of 751.98MPa, 2.466mm elongation at break and the least water absorption of 2.59%. The composite have properties which suggest their suitability for application in the building and construction industries as panels for portioning and flooring or wall coverings, architectural landscaping to replace the hardwood currently used hence, preserving the environment.