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Materials Today: Proceedings 16 (2019) 758–765 www.materialstoday.com/proceedings

ICAMMAS 17
Experimental Investigation of Mechanical Behavior of Bauhinia
Racemosa - Based Glass Fiber Reinforced Composite
Saravanan G1*, G. B. Bhaskar2, Kaviyarasan.E1, Naveen B1, Prabakaran S1,
Rajesh S1
1
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tagore Engineering College-600 127 India
2
Department of Production Tech, MIT campus, Anna University Chennai- 600 044 India

ABSTRACT

The composite materials have high strain energy, high strength to weight ratio compared with other materials. Presently natural
composites are widely used in mechanical field. The present work deals with combination of composite material such as Bauhinia
racemosa (BR Fiber), Glass fibers reinforced plastics (GFRP) with epoxy resin and hardener. Two specimens such as Specimen 1 and 2
are fabricated with hand layup method with mixing of BR and GFRP composite material as per the ASTM standard the various
mechanical properties which include tensile, flexural and impact test are evaluated and compared. The result shows that specimen 2 gives
better tensile strength of 28.64 Mpa with more Impact energy of 0.406 kg-m with compared specimen 1. In specimen 1 the flexural
strength of 0.14 KN gives good result than specimen 2.
© 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Selection and/or Peer-review under responsibility of International Conference on Advances in Materials, Manufacturing and Applied
Sciences.

Keywords: Bauhinia racemosa fiber: Glass fiber: Epoxy Resin and Hardener: Tensile strength: Flexural strength: Impact strength.

1. Introduction:

In research and application interest is increasing rapidly in the composite material. Composite material is
composed of reinforcement (fibers, particles, flakes and/or fillers) embedded in a matrix (polymers, metals or
ceramics). The matrix holes the reinforcement to form the desired shape while the reinforcement improves the
overall mechanical properties of the matrix. The new combined materials exhibit better strength than each
individual material. Composite are combination of two or more materials in that one of the materials is called
the reinforcing phase which is in the form of fibres or particles embedded in the other material is called matrix
phase. [1] The green composites with various volume fractions of Bahunia racemosa/glass fibers were
successfully developed and their thermal properties were investigated. The thermal conductivity of the
composites with increased in volume fraction of glass fibers decreases as compared to the composite of pure
BR fiber. [2] P. Ganeshan had researched the effect of industrial waste such as red mud (Bauxite residue)
combined with natural fiber reinforced polyste. [3] In past few years, energy utilization has increased
throughout world. To reduce the energy consumption and overcome this deficiency, one of the focused area of
research is production of energy saving eco-friendly panels by using natural composite fibers

Corresponding Author
G.Saravanan. Tel.: +919894148433
E-mail address: saravana.vishwa@gmail.com

2214-7853 © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Selection and/or Peer-review under responsibility of International Conference on Advances in Materials, Manufacturing and Applied
Sciences.
 Saravanan G et al / Materials Today: Proceedings 16 (2019) 758–765 759

Fiber reinforced polymer composites are mostly considered as a highly suitable material for many household
applications such as A.C., Coolers etc to reduce energy consumption. [4] Thermophysical properties of
natural fiber reinforced polyester composites are discussed in detail by Idicula et al. [5] the heat conducting
capacity of sodium hydroxide treated fiber composite is 43% better than the untreated fiber composite. The
thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity of polypropylene composites are reinforced with flax were
determined at room temperature by John et al. [6] Chemical modification through a biodegradable zein
coating was applied to the flax nonwovens. The effect of fiber loading and chemical alteration on the
thermo-physical properties was researched. Here thermal conductivity decrease with increase of
temperature. Ramaniah had reached by addition of fiber content in poly-propylene matrix, then composite of
thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity decreased. [7] bio-degradable sansevieria fiber reinforced
polyester composites. However most of the research on heat properties about bahunia racemosa (BR)/glass
fiber (GF) in composite is limited. Hence, a complete characterization of heat studies of BR/GF reinforced
composites is required to study their utility. [8] Rana et al had Evaluated the dynamic mechanical properties
of natural banana fiber reinforced polyester composites with special reference to the effect of fiber loading,
frequency and temperature.. [9] Ramkumar. R et al had fabricated natural fibers reinforced polypropylene
composites like sisal, kenaf, hemp, jute and coir processed by compression moulding by a film stacking
method and evaluated the mechanical properties. [10] Mathur analysed the dynamic and static mechanical
properties of mixed short bana and sisal hybrid fiber reinforced polyster composite. [11]On Natural
composite fiber Mattone R Investigated on building materials by local needs with particular focus.[12] K.J.
Wong et al investigated the thermal properties of polyester and banana and sisal composites as function of
filling concentration and for several fiber surface treatments. [13] Studied the fracture behaviour of short
bamboo fiber reinforced polyester composites. The matrix is reinforced with fibers in different ranges for
bamboo fibers at different lengths.[14] The Conclusion of this study indicate that using jowar fibers and
polyester matrix could develop applications of high strength and rigidity for light weight compared to sisal
and bamboo V.S. Sreenivasan [15] The mechanical properties of short Sansevieria cylindrical fiber and
polyester (SCFP) composites are investigated by K. Ramanaiah. [16] researched to utilize waste grass
broom natural fibers and polyester with reinforced Epoxy resin for making natural composites. Thermal
Properties of composites were investigated as a function of fiber content and temperature by V.S.
Sreenivasan. [17] The wear rate of the composite is less when the orientation of the fiber is normal to the
direction of the sliding movement. [18] The presence of glass fiber increases the erosive wear rate of the
composite. Experiment shows that during tensile loading composite sustain greater loads as the angle
between the fiber orientation and the load direction.[19] Fiber reinforced polyester can be used to strengthen
structural members which are severely damaged fiber provides toughness impact resistance, and energy
absorption to the composites.[20] The modulus of elasticity can be more by increasing the volume of fibre in
the composite. The usage of natural fibers has resulted in a cost reduction of 21% and weight reduction of
24% in curved pipes.
The composite material of natural fibers (BR) and manmade fibers are used. Two specimens are fabricated
by hand layup method. The evaluation of various mechanical properties which includes tensile, flexural and
impact are tested as per ASTM standard.

2. EXPERIMENTAL WORK
2.1 Materials and methods:
In this work, Green fiber like Bauhinia racemosa (BR) as shown fig (1) are taken from the xylem of the Aati
tree and then knitted it, Glass fiber and Epoxy resin & Hardener are getting from outsource used for
fabricating the composite Specimen. Epoxy resin it’s a standard one fabricating of natural composites giving
high mechanical properties and literally low cost.
2.2 Specimen preparation:
In this study sample of lamination were made by using Hand layup method. BR of 280mm length were used
to prepare the specimen (280mm × 280mm × 25mm).The preparation consists of two specimens. One of the
composite (Specimen 1) consist of total five layers in which BR layer are placed in top, middle, and bottom,
then the second and fourth layers are filled by glass fiber as shown in the table (1) .Epoxy resin are added in
each layer between the gap. Initially BR fiber is dried in sunlight to remove the moisture. The next
composite (Specimen 2) is prepared vice versa. Instead of using 3BR and 2glass fiber, we have taken on
3glass fiber and 2BR. Preparation of Specimens as shown fig (2)
 760 Saravanan G et al. / Materials Today: Proceedings 16 (2019) 758–765

Fig (1): Bauhinia racemosa (BR)

Specimen 1 Specimen 2
Bauhinia racemosa –BR (Vertical orientation) Glass fiber (Woven Roving)
Glass fiber (Woven Roving) Bauhinia racemosa –BR (Vertical orientation)
Bauhinia racemosa –BR (Horizontal Orientation) Glass fiber (Woven Roving)
Glass fiber (Woven Roving) Bauhinia racemosa –BR (Horizontal Orientation)
Bauhinia racemosa -BR(Vertical orientation) Glass fiber (Woven Roving)
Table (1): Arrangements of Specimen 1 & 2

Fig (2): Preparation of Specimen

Epoxy resin and Hardener are mixed together in the ratio 10:1 respectively. In the first specimen wax is
poured into the mould and then the resin is added followed by the glass fiber, Bauhinia Racemosa (BR)
Fiber consequently for two layers and finally finished by glass fiber. Each material is bonded together by
adding resin and hardener between them as a layer. And it is compressed together by adding weight over it
to ensure strong bonding between them. After removing from the molding specimens as shown figure (3).

Fig (3): After removing from the Molding Specimen

 Saravanan G et al / Materials Today: Proceedings 16 (2019) 758–765 761

3. TESTING OF COMPOSITES

3.1 Tensile test

The tensile test specimens were prepared as per ASTM D638 standard (165X12.5X6) mm as shown fig (4).
The tensile specimen was tested in Universal testing machine, capacity of 1000KN at Omega inspection and
testing lab, guindy Chennai. The fig (5) shows the holding of tensile test specimen in UTM machine. The
tensile test result gives Ultimate tensile strength and yield point are calculated.

Fig (4): Tensile Specimen

Fig (5): Tensile test Specimen holding in the UTM

3.2 Flexural Strength:
The flexural test specimens were prepared as per ASTM D790 standard as shown in fig (6). The specimens
cut rectangle shape and dimensions of (127 x 12.7 x 6) mm. The flexural specimens were tested in Universal
testing machine, capacity of 1000KN at Omega inspection and testing lab, guindy Chennai. The UTM was
used for three point bend test. At the point when a load is connected to the center of the specimen, it bends
and fracture occurs. The breaking load’s ultimate bending strength is noted. The fig (7) shows the holding
of flexural test specimen in UTM machine.

Fig (6): Flexural Specimen

Fig (7): Flexural test Specimen Holding in the UTM

 762 Saravanan G et al. / Materials Today: Proceedings 16 (2019) 758–765

3.3 Impact test:

The impact test, also known as the V- notch test, the impact strength of the specimens was measured using
an Izod impact test machine. Every specimen was cut in rectangular shape as per ASTM D256. The
dimensions of specimens (65.5X 12.9X5) mm as shown in figure (8). A standardized high strain rate test
which determines the amount of energy absorbed by a material during fracture is noted.

.
Fig (8): impact test specimen
4. TEST RESULTS:
4.1Tensile Test:

The composite specimens are tested for tensile strength in universal testing machine. Table 2 shows the
effect of fiber loading on tensile strength of BR and GFRP composites. The specimen1 with stand the
maximum load of 2.34KN with 15.1Mpa of tensile strength where as specimen 2 withstand the maximum
load of 2.80KN with 28.64Mpa of tensile strength. The sudden drop is due to failure of specimens and the
arrest point correspond to breakage and pullout of individual fibers semi matrix. Figure 9 shows the
comparison of the tensile strength of various specimens. Specimen2 with stand the maximum load of
2.80KN compare the specimen 1
S.NO SPECIMEN LOAD KN TENSILE STRENGTH Mpa
1 Specimen 1 2.34 15.10
2 Specimen 2 2.80 28.64
Table (2): Tensile strength of the specimen

35

30 28.64
Tensile Strength in Mpa

25

20
15.1
15

10

0
Specimen1 Specimen2

Fig (9): comparison of the tensile strength of varies specimen

4.2 Flexural Test

The composite specimens are tested for flexural strength in universal testing machine. Table 3 shows the
effect of fiber loading on flexural strength of BR and GFRP composites. The specimen1 with stand the
 Saravanan G et al / Materials Today: Proceedings 16 (2019) 758–765 763

maximum load of 0.79KN with 0.14Mpa of tensile strength where as specimen 2 withstand the maximum
load of 0.39KN with 0.11Mpa of flexural strength. Figure 10 shows the comparison of the flexural strength
of various specimens. Specimen 1 with stand the maximum flexural strength of 0.14KN compares the
specimen 2

LOAD FLEXURAL STRENGTH

S.NO SPECIMEN
KN Mpa
1 Specimen 1 0.79 0.14
2 Specimen 2 0.39 0.11
Table (3): Flexural strength of the specimen

0.16
0.14
0.14

0.12 0.11
Flexural strength

0.1
Mpa

0.08

0.06

0.04

0.02

0
Specimen1 Specimen2

Fig (10): comparison of the flexural strength of varies specimen

4.3 Impact Test
The impact energy of the specimens was measured using an Izod impact test machine. Table 4 shows the
effect of impact energy of BR and GFRP composites. The specimen 1 with stand the maximum impact
energy of 0.371 kg-m where as specimen 2 withstand the maximum impact energy of 0.406 kg-m. Figure 11
shows the comparison of the impact energy of various specimens. Specimen2 with stand the maximum
impact energy 0.406 kg-m compare the specimen 1

Table (4): impact energy of the specimen

S.NO SPECIMEN IMPACT ENERGY

Kg-m
Specimen 1 0.371
Specimen 2 0.406
 764 Saravanan G et al. / Materials Today: Proceedings 16 (2019) 758–765

0.41 0.406

0.4
Imapct Energy in Kg-m

0.39

0.38
0.371
0.37

0.36

0.35
Specimen1 Specimen2

Fig (11): comparison of the impact energy of varies specimen

5. CONCLUSION

The hybrid composite BR fiber and GFRP fiber have been fabricated by hand layup methods. Experimental
investigation of mechanical properties like tensile, flexural and impact test different specimens as per
ASTM standard has been successfully completed. The tensile and flexural properties of varies specimens
have been studied and the maximum tensile strength has been noted, the impact properties of specimens
have been analyzed. The maximum tensile strength and impact energy value of the specimen 2 is 28.64Mpa
and 0.406Kg-m respectively and these are better result than the specimen 1 and their respective values are
15.10Mpa and 0.371Kg-m.

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