Acalypha Indica Root Fibre in Polymer Composite: Mechanical Characterization

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Special Issue 03 | Page : 512 522
    By

    V. Jeyabalaji,

  • A. Kumaresan,

  • P. Tharcis,

  • A.N. Balaji,

  • M. Ananda Kumar,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, SRM Madurai College for Engineering and Technology, Sivagangai, Tamil Nadu, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, SRM Madurai College for Engineering and Technology, Sivagangai, Tamil Nadu, India
  3. Associate Professor, Department of Electronics and Communication, SRM Madurai College for Engineering and Technology, Sivagangai, Tamil Nadu, India
  4. Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, SRM Madurai College for Engineering and Technology, Sivagangai, Tamil Nadu, India
  5. Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, SRM Madurai College for Engineering and Technology, Sivagangai, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

The mechanical characteristics of Acalypha Indica root fibre reinforced epoxy resin composites, including tensile strength, tensile modulus, percentage of elongation, flexural strength, and impact strength, were studied. Composites were fabricated using epoxy glue and randomly oriented fibres of 3 mm length in varying weight ratios of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%. The hand layup method was followed by compression moulding to construct the composites. The study aimed to determine the optimal quantity of Acalypha Indica root fibre in the epoxy matrix to achieve the best mechanical properties. Mechanical tests revealed that composites with 30% fibre content exhibited superior performance compared to other weight percentages. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images indicated good fibre-matrix adhesion up to 30% fibre content. However, beyond this level, the interaction between the fibre and the epoxy matrix weakened. The tensile strength and modulus of 30% fibre-reinforced composites were found to be 12.50 MPa and 869 MPa, respectively. In composites containing more than 30% fibre, fibre pull-out and debonding were observed due to incompatibility between the fibre and the matrix.The percentage of elongation for composites with 30% fibre content in the epoxy matrix was recorded as 1.648%. When 30% fibre content was incorporated, the peak flexural strength and modulus values were 27.87 MPa and 1320.56 MPa, respectively. Excessive fibre content beyond 30% led to fibre-to-fibre contact, resulting in poor interfacial bonding between the fibre and matrix. The impact strength of the composites ranged from a minimum of 0.89 J/cm² at 10% fibre content to a maximum of 1.67 J/cm² at 30% fibre content. Due to their enhanced mechanical properties, these composites have potential applications in the automotive, aerospace, and biomedical industries.

Keywords: Acalypha indica, composites, epoxy, tensile strength and flexural strength.

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer and Composites (jopc)]

How to cite this article:
V. Jeyabalaji, A. Kumaresan, P. Tharcis, A.N. Balaji, M. Ananda Kumar. Acalypha Indica Root Fibre in Polymer Composite: Mechanical Characterization. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(03):512-522.
How to cite this URL:
V. Jeyabalaji, A. Kumaresan, P. Tharcis, A.N. Balaji, M. Ananda Kumar. Acalypha Indica Root Fibre in Polymer Composite: Mechanical Characterization. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(03):512-522. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=211572


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Special Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Special Issue 03
Received 03/02/2025
Accepted 18/03/2025
Published 01/05/2025
Publication Time 87 Days
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