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Fiber reinforced plastics (FRPs) have replaced conventional engineering materials in many areas, especially in the field of automobiles and household applications. With the increasing demand, various modifications are being incorporated in the conventional FRPs for specific applications in order to reduce costs and achieve the quality standards. The present research endeavor is an attempt to study the effect of natural fillers on the mechanical characteristics of FRPs. Rice husk, wheat husk, and coconut coir have been used as natural fillers in glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRPs). In order to study the effect of matrix on the properties of GFRPs, polyester and epoxy resins have been used. It has been found that natural fillers provide better results in polyester-based composites. Amongst the natural fillers, in general, the composites with coconut coir have better mechanical properties as compared to the other fillers in glass/epoxy composites.

In this work, partially biodegradable green composites have been developed with the help of compression molding technique. Jute fibers were selected as a reinforcement and epoxy resin as matrix material. The influence of alkali treatment on various mechanical properties of jute/epoxy composites was investigated, with concentrations ranging from 1%, 3%, 5%, 7%, and 9% NaOH solution. Various test results indicate that with an increase in concentration, tensile and flexural strength increases up to 5% concentration of NaOH, thereafter both the properties decrease, but impact strength increases up to 7% concentration and thereafter decreases. The results of mechanical characterizations were further validated through the study of morphology with scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared analysis. The optimal concentration of 5% concentration for alkali treatment of fibers have been suggested.

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