No abstract

The intimately mixed natural protein fiber hybrid composites in three different fiber concentrations (70:30, 50:50 and 30:70) and two different fiber orientations (parallel laid and cross laid) are produced using silk and wool fibers with polypropylene fibers as matrix material. The composites are fabricated using compression molding technique with optimized process conditions. The effects of fiber content and fiber orientation on mechanical, thermal conductivity and water absorption property are studied. Scanning electron microscope is used to examine the fracture morphology of the composites. The study reveals that the fiber content strongly influences the mechanical, thermal conductivity and water absorption property of the resultant composite. But the fiber orientation shows significant effect only on water absorption property of the composites. It does not show any significant difference in mechanical and thermal conductivity properties of intimately mixed silk/wool hybrid fiber composites.

The manmade fibers are predominant to the natural fibers and also it has its own importance in many of the applications. The natural fibers are widely used due to their surplus availability and due to its environment friendly nature. These environment friendly fibers are mostly used in the manufacturing of composites, fibers, ropes and cordages. Fibers, extracted from leaves of Agave Americana plant are cellulosic in nature and has unique properties when compared to other natural cellulosic fibers. In this study the fibers are extracted using retting process and the impurities are removed using scouring and bleaching process. The scouring and bleaching process was carried out in a bath. Then the fibers are tested. The agave fibers are spun into yarn by using flyer spinning machine. The yarn is converted into fabric by using handloom weaving machine. Then the fabric is dyed by using cold brand reactive dyes. Then the fabrics were given a finishing treatment by using silicone enzyme to soften the fabric. Then the fabrics were tested.