LAUSR

Abstract Composite materials have a wide range of application in various domains. The fact behind using composite materials is that they give the same almost strength as metal parts in presenting lesser weight. However, the plastic parts are non-biodegradable, and they lead to the polluted environment during the disposal after end-of-life of a particular part. Nowadays natural and easily recyclable composites were preferred due to environmental concerns. The major disadvantage of using natural fibre composites is that they have low strength compared to conventional glass or carbon reinforced composite. To enhance the strength of Natural-Fiber-Reinforced Plastics (NFRP) various techniques have been followed (Chemical treatment of the fibre, post-curing of the composites, sandwiching the composite, adding additives/fillers to the matrix) based on the feasibility and application of the composites. Among those techniques, adding additives to the matrix is one of the simple and effective ways to enhance the properties of the composite. A natural additive is developed in concern to the environmental impact of the composite. Two different types of the composite laminate were manufactured. One is with additive and one is without the additive. It is necessary to validate the strength of the composite with and without the additives by mechanical testing. Thus, tensile, flexural and moisture absorption tests were performed to verify the mechanical property enhancement achieved due to the use of additives. These tests help in characterizing the material to specific applications. The composite with the natural additive showed better mechanical properties. However, the moisture absorption tendency of the composite is increased as well, mainly due to the presence of additives on the surface of the composite along with the matrix.