Investigation of thermal conductivity, sound absorption, and mechanical properties of Alcea Rosea L. fiber-reinforced epoxy composites

Abstract

The composite production has been commonly researched because of its crucial properties such as low density, light weight, having better mechanical behaviors, and stiffness. There are numerous uses in marine, automotive, sporting, and aerospace industries. In this study, fiber-reinforced composites were produced with Alcea Rosea L. fiber and epoxy resin. Besides, an image processing technique was proposed and put into use to specify the average fiber thickness of Alcea Rosea L. fiber. The composites were prepared at 5:95, 10:90 fiber:epoxy resin weight percentages. Before the composite synthesis, Alcea Rosea L. fibers were treated to alkali surface modification with 10% sodium hydroxyl for 30 min. The thermal conductivity coefficient, sound absorption coefficient, and tensile strength of composites were measured. The thermal conductivity coefficient of samples decreases with increase in Alcea Rosea L. fiber weight percentage. The sound absorption coefficient and mechanical properties of samples improve with increase in Alcea Rosea L. fiber weight percentage. These results show that Alcea Rosea L. fiber-reinforced sustainable composites can be used as a potential thermal and acoustic insulator.