The influence of fiber content and length on mechanical and water absorption properties of Calotropis Gigantea fiber reinforced epoxy composites

This work deals with the investigation of mechanical properties and water absorption behavior of Calotropis Gigantea fiber reinforced epoxy composites prepared by using compression molding technique. The experiments were carried out by varying fiber length (10, 20, and 30 mm) and volume fraction (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30%). In addition to this, the water absorption behavior was analyzed at different climatic temperatures of 10℃, 40℃, and 70℃. The composites reinforced with 25% in volume of Calotropis Gigantea fiber showed better tensile, flexural, and impact properties. The hardness value and water absorption rate are higher for composites reinforced with 30% in volume of 30-mm Calotropis Gigantea fibers. Moreover, by increasing the bath temperature, the water absorption rate associated to this class of composite increases.