Development of a polymer matrix composite reinforced with luffa fibre and white clay

Abstract

Luffa is a natural fiber and has found utilization for centuries in various industries, including textiles, craft, and agriculture. The poly matrix materials generally have poor tensile and flexural strength making them to be less preferred in various applications. Therefore, this research aimed to develop a polymer matrix composite reinforced with luffa fibber and clay for use in the automotive and construction sectors. The luffer fruits and white clay were collected from Ilorin and epoxy resin, hardener, and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) were purchased from Jopart Chemical Co-limited, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. The luffer fruits were stripped of the husks and cut into long fibers. Both the luffer and the white clay were then rinsed using distilled water and sun-dried for 48 hours. The dried luffa and white clay were ground into smaller particles. Eight (8) composite samples were produced from a mixture of resin (65 – 80%), luffa (10 – 70%), and clay (8 – 15%) following the design of experimental techniques. The samples were molded in molding boxes and allowed to solidify for 48 hours. Each sample was characterized for textile strength, toughness, and flexural strength using an Ultimate Tensile Machine while Rockwell hardness was used for the hardness test.

The tensile strength ranged between 4.72 and 18.07MPa, while flexural strength lies between 2.98 and 21.70MPa. The range of Brinell hardness values was 55 – 70BHN and 0.194 – 1.77Nm for toughness. The sample made from 9% clay, 11% luffa, and 80% epoxy gave the highest tensile strength (18.074MPa) and toughness (1.770Nm). Sample with the composition of 20% luffa, 15% clay, and 65% epoxy has the minimum tensile strength (4.723MPa) and hardness of 65BNH. The addition of luffa particles and white clay has been shown to enhance the tensile strength, hardness, and flexural strength of epoxy resin. The reinforced resin can be used for the production of car bumpers.