Strain Rate Sensitivity of Epoxy Composites Reinforced with Varied Sizes of Bagasse Particles

Viscoelastic materials, such as natural fibre-reinforced polymer composites, are strain rate sensitive. In the present investigation, the low strain rate sensitivity (0.00028 s(-1), 0.00085 s(-1)and 0.0017 s(-1)) of different sized bagasse particle-reinforced (212 mu m and 300 mu m) epoxy composites was examined using the Weibull analysis method. The filler loading content was optimized at 2 wt.% to achieve better mechanical properties. Based on the experimental results, it was observed that composites with 212 mu m filler particles had higher characteristic strengths, more consistent failure strengths and higher energy absorption properties with higher loading speeds, compared to that of 300 mu m filler particles. Based on the mathematical models for particle-matrix interactions, improvements in mechanical properties are attributed to proper filler dispersion and a better fibre-matrix interfacial strength.