Mechanical and water-absorption properties of sisal fiber (Agave sisalana)-reinforced polyester composite

ABSTRACT

Mechanical and water-absorption properties of composites made from sisal fiber and polyester matrix have been investigated. Test specimens were prepared with untreated fiber and treated with alkaline solution of sodium hydroxide. The amount of fiber content in the composites varied with values of 10%, 20%, and 30% by volume. The test results indicate that the alkaline treatment has improved the tensile, compressive, and impact strength of the composite with the added benefit of low water absorption. The impact strength is found to increase with an increase in the fiber content. However, the tensile and compressive strengths have decreased; water-absorption rate has increased with an increase in the fiber content.

摘要

研究了剑麻纤维与聚酯基体复合材料的力学性能和吸水性能。用未经处理的纤维制备试样，用氢氧化钠碱溶液处理。复合材料中纤维含量随体积的增加而变化，分别为10%、20%和30%。试验结果表明，碱处理提高了复合材料的拉伸强度、压缩强度和冲击强度，并具有吸水率低的优点。随着纤维含量的增加，冲击强度增加。但随着纤维含量的增加，纤维的拉伸强度和抗压强度下降，吸水率增加。

KEYWORDS:

• Sisal fiber
• polyester composite
• Agave sisalana
• mechanical properties
• water absorption
• alkali treatment

关键词:

• 剑麻纤维
• 聚酯复合材料
• 力学性能
• 水的吸收
• 碱处理

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the use of materials and laboratory facilities of the School of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at EiT-M, Mekelle University. We would like to thank Dr. Ftwi Yohannes and Dr. John Paintin for their comments during write up of the paper.