Effect of alkali treatment on the flexural properties of a Luffa cylindrica-reinforced epoxy composite

This experimental study was conducted to investigate the effect of NaOH concentration and treatment time on the flexural properties of Luffa cylindrica fiber-reinforced epoxy composites. Significant improvement (up to 84.92%) in the flexural properties for the treated fiber composite compared with the untreated fiber composite was observed. Both treated and untreated fiber composites were then subjected to different environmental treatments (saline water, distilled water, and subzero temperature). To find out the changes in flexural strength immediately after treatment, the same test was carried out on the composites. Degradation in the flexural strength of both treated and untreated fiber composites, when subjected to environmental treatments, was observed. They were found within the range of 2%-20% and were found to be least in subzero treatment. The SEM micrograph indicates that alkali treatment is effective in improving the adhesion between the fiber and matrix.