International Journal of Research Available at https://edupediapublications.org/journals e-ISSN: 2348-6848 p-ISSN: 2348-795X Volume 04 Issue 14 November 2017 Available online: https://edupediapublications.org/journals/index.php/IJR/ Page | 2822 Effect of Slag on Coconut Sheath Reinforced Composite B. Sidda Reddy 1* , J. Suresh Kumar 2 , K. Vijaya Kumar Reddy 3 , & M. Ashok Kumar 4 1,4 School of Mechanical Engineering, RGM College of Engineering & Technology Nandyal, 518501 2,3 Professor of Mechanical Engineering, JNTUHCE, Kukatpally, Hyderabad, Telangana- 500085 Abstract: This paper investigates the effect of slag on coconut sheath reinforced composites. For this purpose, the epoxy is considered as the matrix and the coconut sheath and Slag as the reinforcing material. The coconut sheets were collected from two different coconut trees and treated with NaOH solution. The specimens were prepared by using treated coconut sheaths, by keeping the weight of coconut sheath constant and varying the weight percentage of slag. The experiments have been carried out on a universal testing machine and mechanical properties such as tensile and flexural strength were evaluated. From the experimental results, it is concluded that, as the weight of Coconut Sheath constant and Slag composition increases tensile and flexural stress increases. Keywords: Slag; Natural fibre composites; tensile strength; flexural strength 1. Introduction The far reaching utilization of the fiber reinforced composites in the course of the most recent couple of years has prompted the expanded research enthusiasm in the field of fiber reinforced composites. Even though, the synthetic fibre reinforced composites have exceptional properties, Because of the high cost of synthetic fibre, the cost of processing is very high. In constrast, the utilization of natural fibres prompts reduction in weight, and cost, however the mechanical properties of natural composites are much lower as compared to synthetic fibre composites [1]. In the past, Luo and Netravali [2] presented the mechanical and thermal properties of unidirectional, degradable, environment-friendly “green” composites made from pineapple fibers and poly(hydroxybutyrate-co- valerate) (PHBV) resin. They investigated the Tensile and flexural properties of the “green” composites with different fiber contents in both longitudinal and transverse directions. They concluded that, the tensile and flexural strength are higher in longitudinal direction and lower in transverse direction. Sapuan et al. [3] presented the tensile and flexural properties of composites made from coconut shell filler particles and epoxy resin.they conducted the tensile and flexural tests by varying the filler percentages i.e., 5%, 0% and 15%. Their results reveal that the increase of filler percentage increases the tensile and flexural strength. Ramaraj and Poomalai [ 4] considered Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composites with 10, 20, 33, and 50 wt % of coconut shell (CCS) powder.they prepared as films and tested for physicomechanical properties such as tensile, tear, burst strengths, density, moisture content, moisture vapor transmission rate, moisture analysis; solubility resistance in water, 5% acetic acid, 50% ethanol, sunflower oil; swelling characteristics in 50% ethanol, sunflower oil; and thermal characteristics by differential scanning calorimetry. Ramanjaneya Reddy et al. [5] studied the optimization of stacking sequence of laminated composite plates using Distance based optimal design of experiments in the design of experiments technique and artificial neural networks. They concluded that the artificial neural networks predicts accurate results with the finite element results. Olumuyiwa Agunsoye et al. [6] evaluated the morphology and mechanical properties of coconut shell polyethylene composite to establish the possibility of using as a new material for engineering applications. They prepared the composite by varying the volume fraction with 5% to 25%. Their results show that hardness of the composite increases with increase in coconut shell content, though the tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, impact energy and ductility of the composite decreases with an increase in the particle content. Vikas Dhawan et al. [7] studied the effect of rice husk, wheat husk, and coconut coir as filler on the mechanical characteristics of Glass fibre reinforced composites. They observed that the natural fillers give better results when embedded in polyester-based composites. Durowaye et al.[8] developed an engineering material for industrial application using coconut shell and palm fruit particulate polyester. They evaluated the mechanical properties such as ultimate tensile strength and impact strength and hardness. They concluded that the tensile strength was 70MPa and highest impact strength was 4.6J and the highest hardness was 20.