Mechanical, Morphological Properties and Chemical Resistance of Filled Rattan Wastes Powder Epoxy Composites

Fibre content effects on mechanical, surface morphology and chemical resistance of epoxy/rattan fibre composite was investigated. By analysis of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical and chemical examinations. SEM shows the rattan fibre had improved facial adhesion and a fairly uniform distribution of fibre in the matrix. Similar result were observed for flexural and tensile strengths with gradual increase in strengths with filler loading. Mechanical properties improved with increasing fibre loading, peaking at 25 wt % content. The best tensile and impact strength was obtained at 25 wt % filler with a value of 19.271Mpa and 18.876 J/m. There was a 4.48 % increase in hardness obtained at 15 wt %, 6.55 % increase in hardness at 20 wt. %, while 7.46 % increase in hardness was obtained at 25 wt % representing the highest hardness for individual fibre wt % considered. The flexural strength obtained for the samples presented increased as fibre content increased, while the best flexural strength result of 27.542 Mpa was observed at 25 wt. % fibre. The rattan - epoxy composite’s weight reduced greatly after testing in 10% HCl, NaOCl, and NaOH solution. Theresult for immersing in H2O2 solution showed negligible effects and hence, a small reduction in weight loss.