Mechanical properties and water absorption of short snake grass fiber reinforced isophthallic polyester composites

Abstract

Natural fiber composite replaces the conventional and synthetic materials in many fields especially in light weight applications. The randomly oriented short snake grass fiber reinforced isophthallic polyester composites are prepared by hand lay-up technique and finally compression molded. The various length and weight fraction of fiber are used in composite fabrication. The mechanical properties and water absorption under various climatic conditions are examined according to the prescribed standard. SEM image revealing the fiber pullout and breakage of the tensile and impact fractured composite specimens has been analysed and compared with control through scanning electron microscope. The result shows that the mechanical properties increase with increase in fiber length and weight fraction of the composites. The rate of water absorption increases with increase in temperature and time. Obtained experimental tensile strength of the composite is compared with various theoretical models such as Series, Hirsch's, Halpin-Tsai, Modified Halpin-Tsai and Modified Bowyer & Brader's and the obtained inferences are discussed.

Comparison of Sansevieria ehrenbergii fiber-reinforced polymer composites with wood and wood fiber composites

“…25 The isophthallic polyester resin was used to prepare the SEFs-reinforced polyester composites with curing agent of methyl ethyl ketone peroxide and cobalt naphthalene. [25][26][27] Chemical treatments…”

“…Polyester resin was mixed with 1% of catalyst and accelerators for curing the SEFs-reinforced polyester composites. 25,27 A steel die was used to mould the composites. Before preparing the composites, a layer of release agent was coated on the dies for easy removal of composite.…”

Development of snake grass fiber-reinforced polymer composite chair

“…[15][16][17] Catalyst namely cobalt naphthalene and accelerator methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) were used to cure the resin. 15,16,17 Thermoset isophthallic polyester resin was one of the economical resins when compared to other resins owing to its very low waterabsorbing capability, excellent bonding tendency as well as mechanical properties. The distinctive properties of the isophthallic polyester resin were tested and listed in Table 2.…”

“…One percent of catalyst and accelerator was used to cure the isophthallic polyester resin. [15][16][17] Thick aluminum square hollow pipes were used as die for preparing the legs and steel die plate was used for preparing the composites plate. Initially, the releasing agent (polyvinyl chloride) was coated inside of the die and surface was allowed to queer for 10 min.…”

“…The k values of the composites was higher than wood. The transport coefficients such as diffusion, sorption, and permeability are calculated based on Sathishkumar et al [15][16][17] The diffusion coefficient is little higher for composites compared to wood. Compared with composites plate, the higher diffusion coefficient is observed in composite leg.…”