Effect of Nano Fillers on Mechanical Properties of Luffa Fiber Epoxy Composites

The present work aims to investigate the effect of nanofiller, lead oxide on the mechanical, thermal, and water intake behavior of luffa fiber-reinforced epoxy polymer matrix composites. Filler material PbO of 20 nm was added in different weight proportions along with luffa fiber to the matrix and the compression molding technique was used for the fabrication of the composite laminates. Tensile, flexural, and impact properties were studied on the prepared samples. The influence of lead oxide on glass transient temperature (Tg) and the curing of epoxy were also studied using the Differential scanning calorimeter. The optimum mechanical and thermal properties were observed on the addition of 1.25 wt. % of nanofiller. The morphological images show various defects like interfacial behavior, fiber pulls outs, voids, and internal cracks, and these were examined using a scanning electron microscope. Hence the present investigation showed that the addition of nanofiller could enhance the mechanical strength of the natural fiber composite. Further, it enhanced the moisture resistance and thus could find potential structural and packaging applications.