The effect of alkalization and esterification treatment on mechanical properties of water hyacinth fiber reinforced epoxy-resin composite

This research investigates the effect of fiber pre-treatment on mechanical and physical properties unidirectional water hyacinth (WH) reinforced epoxy resin composites. The fibers have been produced by processing. 50–70 cm length WH stems are brushed with an iron brush to mechanically extract strands. dry then were pre-treated alkalization esterification. ha ve conducted immersing 2 %, 5 % 10 NaOH solution for 24 h. esterification done using acetate anhydride. composite 15 25 35 was made hand lay-up. After lay up process composites compacting pressure compaction MPa. Tensile test based ASTM D3039. density tested Archimedes rule. Surface contaminants eliminated treatment. treatment surface's wax cuticle. surface treated cleaner than those NaOH. Fiber has reducing thickness.The tensile results anhydride show that strength untreated increased increase fiber. showed composite. highest