Role of fiber orientation and design on thermal and mechanical properties of natural composite

The study focuses on exploring the mechanical and thermal properties of natural bagasse fiber-reinforced epoxy matrix composites. Young’s modulus of these composites was determined through tests involving varied orientations of bagasse fibers. Experimental findings were then correlated with analytical models. Thermal conductivity was predicted using simulation studies aided by Micromechanics and Finite Element methods. Finite Element outcomes were cross-referenced with analytical data to validate the FE models. At 10% weight fraction of bagasse fiber, the maximum elasticity modulus of the composite increases significantly by approximately 88% when aligned at 0° orientations, compared to the 90° orientation. Similarly, there's a noteworthy 67% improvement compared to the 45° orientation, maintaining the same bagasse fiber weight fraction. Longitudinal thermal conductivity increased with higher bagasse fiber weight fractions, while transverse thermal conductivity remained relatively constant despite changes in fiber volume. About 98% of the decrement in transverse thermal conductivity is observed compared to longitudinal conductivity at all the percentages of the fiber considered for the study. These findings underscore the significant impact of bagasse fiber orientation on both effective elasticity and thermal conductivity within these fiber-based structures.