An Experimental Study of the Properties of Sugarcane Bagasse ParticleReinforced Epoxy Matrix Biocomposites

Abstract

The stir casting technique was used in the production of sugarcane bagasse particle reinforced epoxy matrix biocomposites. The microstructural, physical and mechanical properties of the composites were evaluated. The results obtained from the experiments showed the presence of pores in the microstructure and distribution of reinforcing particles in the epoxy matrix. The control specimen possessed a density of 0.71 g/cm3 while specimens S4, S5 and S6 possessed the highest density of 0.93 g/cm3 . Control specimen C1 demonstrated water absorption of 0.25 % while specimens S5 and S6 demonstrated the lowest water absorption of 0.19 %. Control specimen demonstrated the lowest tensile strength of 7.21 MPa whereas specimen S5 which contained 25 wt. % of bagasse particles demonstrated the highest tensile strength of 22.55 MPa. This is 213 % higher than that of the control specimen. Specimen S5 containing 25 wt. % of bagasse particles demonstrated the highest hardness of 23.95 HV. The control specimen C1 demonstrated the highest impact energy of 4.87 J. There is a decrease in impact energy as weight percent (wt. %) of bagasse particles increases. The decrease in impact energy may be because of the filler particles, which may represent points for localized stress concentration from which failure began because of formation of a weak structure.