2.4. Composite Tensile Testing

Procedures detailed in ASTM D 638-03; Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics was followed for testing the specimens [22]. In advance of tensile testing, all the samples were conditioned at 23 ± 3 °C and 50 ± 5% relative humidity for at least 48 h. An Instron-4204 tensile testing machine fitted with a 5 kN load cell was used for the testing (Norwood, MA, USA). The gauge length of the specimens was 80 mm. An Instron 2630-112 extensometer with a gauge length of 50 mm was attached to the central part of the test specimen for the measurement of strain. The specimens were tested at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. A total of five samples were tested from each batch. The specimens without fibres were tested only to maximum stress point because of excessive necking, whereas specimens with fibres were tested to failure [18].