Characterization of Sida acuta fiber and its polymer composites with effect of fly ash

In this paper, the physical, chemical, and thermal properties of cellulosic fiber extracted from the stem of Sida acuta have been reported. Tests such as tensile, chemical, thermo gravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were conducted on Sida acuta fibers (SAFs). From the test results, it was found that SAFs possess high cellulose content (72.99 wt.%), high tensile strength (627 ± 14 MPa), high crystallinity index (67.70%), and high thermal stability (up to 240°C). Furthermore, the water absorption and mechanical properties of Sida acuta fiber reinforced epoxy composite added with fly ash filler were studied through tensile, flexural, and impact test as per the ASTM standards. The composite samples were prepared by varying the weight fraction of fly ash at 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 wt.%. The experimental results revealed that the composites added with 2 wt.% fly ash exhibited superior mechanical properties when compared to other samples. The surface morphological changes of fiber-matrix interface due to the presence of fly ash were confirmed through the field emission scanning electron microscope images obtained from the fractured tensile specimens.