Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Bagasse-Glass Fiber Reinforced Composite

In the present work a bagasse-glass fiber reinforced composite material is developed with 15 wt%, 20 wt%, 25 wt% and 30 wt% of bagasse fiber with 5 wt% glass fiber mixed in resin. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows that bagasse fibers 13.0 j m in diameter and 61.0 jim in length are well dispersed in the resin matrix. Addition of fiber increases the modulus of elasticity of the epoxy. Mixing of bagasse with glass fiber also improves the modulus of elasticity. Addition of bagasse fibers decreases the ultimate tensile strength. But addition of glass fiber further increases the ultimate tensile strength in comparison to commercially available bagasse based composite. Bagasse-glass reinforced fibers improve the impact strength of epoxy materials due to fiber has more elasticity in comparison to matrix material. Addition of fibers increases the capacity of water absorption. This test is necessary where composites are used in moisture affected areas. Addition of bagasse fiber reduces bending strength. But addition of glass fiber further increases the bending strength in comparison to commercially available bagasse based composite.