Microwave and Conventional Curing of Polymer Matrix Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibres of Kerala

Titto John George*, K.T. Mathew**
* Safety Engineer, Jizan Refinery Construction Project, Nasser S Al-Hajri Corporation, Saudi Arabia.
** Dean, Faculty Development and Research, Viswajyothi College of Engineering and Technology, Vazhakulam, India.
Periodicity:October - December'2017
DOI : https://doi.org/10.26634/jms.5.3.13744

Abstract

Material processing with microwave is an emerging concept in advance manufacturing, which is getting world wide acceptance due to high energy efficiency, reduced processing time, instant heating, and improved mechanical properties. This paper describes the processing of natural and synthetic fibre reinforced composites using microwave heating and compares the result with similar composites cured by traditional heating. Moulds made of different materials were used to suit microwave and traditional heating. This paper also discusses various tests conducted to compare the mechanical properties of natural fibre reinforced composites made through traditional and microwave curing. Microwave heating shows superior mechanical properties than conventional heating methods.

Keywords

Curing, Microwave Heating, Natural Fibres, Polymer Composites.

How to Cite this Article?

George, T. J., and Mathew, K. T. (2017). Microwave and Conventional Curing of Polymer Matrix Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibres of Kerala. i-manager’s Journal on Material Science, 5(3), 24-30. https://doi.org/10.26634/jms.5.3.13744

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