Lady's Finger Fibres for Possible Use as a Reinforcement in Composite Materials

In this work, testing on okra fibres (Abelmoschus esculentus) when included in a ®Bakelite matrix was performed. Two types of treatment were considered for the fibres to be included in the composite, scouring and bleaching. These led to surface modifications on the fibres, which were detailed using SEM micrographs. In particular, composites obtained including a small amount of scoured okra fibres, not exceeding 5%, resulted in some improvement in the tensile and flexural strength. In contrast, the introduction of higher volumes of okra fibres resulted in the degradation of mechanical properties: this was attributed to the presence of high void content in the composite.