Effect of Fiber Weight Fraction on the Mechanical Performance of Calotropis Gigantea Fiber-Reinforced Polyester Composites

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | Special Issue 01 | Page : 339 349
    By

    Suthagar S.,

  • Gooty Rohan,

  • Kumaran T.,

  • Sundharesan R.,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, MVJ College of Engineering, Near ITPB, Whitefield, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
  3. Assistant Professor, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Acharya Institute of Technology, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
  4. Assistant Professor, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, J J College of Engineering and Technology, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Natural fiber-reinforced composites have attracted more attention as environmentally friendly substitutes to synthetic materials since the move towards a sustainable approach to engineering materials has gained in popularity. This paper focuses on the potential use of Calotropis gigantea (CG) stem fibers as laminate reinforcement with bio-composites made through an unsaturated polyester resin (GP) system. Super strength fibers were pulled out, treated with alkaline to boost interfacial adhesion, and positioned in equal directions (0o/90o), then laminated through hand lay-up technique. Two fiber weight percentage fractions were considered 25, 30 specimens prepared tested according to the ASTM D3039 standards. Mechanical characterization indicated that the 25% fiber composites had greater tensile strength (124 N/mm2) and ductile behaviour where there was a gradual fracture, whereas the 30% fiber composites registered lower tensile strength (91 N/mm2) and brittle failure. The decrease in performance at higher fiber loading was explained by fabrication defects in the form of incomplete areas of fabrication partially characterized by the existence voids, fiber waviness, and entrapment of air bubbles. Applications of MATLAB analysis of stress strains, coupled up with the experiment represented, gave further commentary on the composite behaviour. The results supported the significance of maximum fiber content and processes of fabrication that will balance the strength, stiffness, and toughness of natural fiber composites. The CG composites developed aim to be lightweight, inexpensive, and bio-degradable and would be useful in automotive, aerospace, marine, construction, and consumer segments, ushers with the global trend towards green manufacturing and green/sustainable material.

Keywords: Calotropis gigantea fibers, Natural fiber composites, Polyester resin, Fiber weight fraction, Tensile strength, Stress-strain analysis, Bio-composites.

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

How to cite this article:
Suthagar S., Gooty Rohan, Kumaran T., Sundharesan R.. Effect of Fiber Weight Fraction on the Mechanical Performance of Calotropis Gigantea Fiber-Reinforced Polyester Composites. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):339-349.
How to cite this URL:
Suthagar S., Gooty Rohan, Kumaran T., Sundharesan R.. Effect of Fiber Weight Fraction on the Mechanical Performance of Calotropis Gigantea Fiber-Reinforced Polyester Composites. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):339-349. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=237041


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Special Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
Special Issue 01
Received 24/10/2025
Accepted 10/11/2025
Published 18/02/2026
Publication Time 117 Days
108

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