Synthesis and fabrication of acrylic acid treated rattan fiber epoxy composite

The present work encompasses synthesis and fabrication of short rattan fiber (1-3 mm) reinforced epoxy composite with enhanced mechanical properties. Acrylic acid has been considered as surfactant for surface modification of rattan fiber to enhance adhesion with thermosetting polymer such as epoxy. Calculation of various mechanical properties has been performed and analysed with different weight percentage of fiber matrix composition. Micrographs were studied using scanning electron microscopy. The acrylic acid treated composite shows better tensile, flexural and impact strength at 45.5 MPa, 121.89 MPa and 39.45 J m(-1), respectively. Regression analysis reveals that the composite with 18% fiber content (optimum weight percentage) exhibits better mechanical properties. The results suggest that rattan fibers provide a natural and sustainable choice for reinforcing composites in a wide range of technical applications where synthetic fibres are currently utilized.