Experimental investigation of mechanical properties of epoxy based composites

In this study, the investigation of mechanical properties of epoxy based composites was conducted experimentally. The matrix material used in the research work was epoxy resin and jute and basalt fibre were used as the reinforcement material for the preparation of the hybrid composite. Each hybrid composite consists of eight stack of layers of fibres oriented accordingly to achieve high strength. Tensile test, compressive test and wear test were performed to investigate the mechanical properties and machinability of the composite material. Tests were carried out according to the ASTM standards. Tensile test and compressive test were performed in universal testing machine and wear test was performed on pin-on-disc wear testing machine. Each hybrid composite consists of eight stacks of layers of fibres oriented accordingly to achieve high strength. It was observed that the tensile modulus of the epoxy based hybrid composite increases with increase of layers of basalt fibre. It was observed that the compressive modulus and compressive strength also increase rapidly. Silicon carbide emery paper was used for the testing of abrasive wear rate of the specimen. Taguchi technique was used to optimize the parameters and the input parameters used in the wear analysis includes; the type of the specimen, load and density. Specific wear rate for each specimen was calculated and the main effects plots for signal-to-noise ratio were drawn and analyzed in this research work.