Mechanical properties of sisal fibre reinforced urea-formaldehyde resin composites

Abstract

Abstract. Alkali-treated sisal fibres were used as novel reinforcement to obtain composites with self-synthesized ureaformaldehyde resin as matrix phase. The composites were prepared by means of compression molding, and then the effects of sisal loading on mechanical properties such as impact strength, flexural strength, and wear resistance were investigated. In addition, water uptake was studied and structural features were revealed by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The composite with 30 wt% sisal fibres gives excellent flexural strength, water absorption, and especially the wear resistance showing that it has the most superior bonding and adhesion of all the composites. In particular, the highest value 9.42 kJ/m 2 of charpy impact strength is observed in the composite with 50 wt% sisal fibre. SEM micrographs of impact fractured and worn surfaces clearly demonstrate the interfacial adhesion between fibre and matrix. This work shows the potential of sisal fibre (SF) to improve the composite wear resistance and to be used in fibreboard.

Pretreatments of natural fibers and their application as reinforcing material in polymer composites—A review

“…The highest value 9.42 kJ/m 2 of charpy impact strength is observed in the composite with 50 wt% sisal fiber. SEM micrographs of impact fractured and worn surfaces clearly demonstrate the interfacial adhesion between fiber and matrix [193].…”

Composite Materials from Natural Resources: Recent Trends and Future Potentials

“…Whereas the flexural strength, wear resistance and water absorption properties are proved to be excellent in the composite with 30% (w/w) sisal fibre under the present experimental conditions adopted. The fibres themselves possess a higher wear resistance than the matrix and should protrude from the SEM surface that these composites in fibre board can be expanded (Zhong & Wei, 2007 …”

Development of Composites of Highly Filled Phenol Formaldehyde Resin – Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Endocarp Particles

“…The advantages of lignocellulosic materials for use in composites, including decreased overall manufacturing costs and improved properties of polymeric materials, are well documented Faruk et al, 2012;Satyanrayana et al, 2009;Srikanth et al, 2009;Zhong and Wei, 2007). Still, some factors, such as collection, storage and transportation of lignocellulosic materials, restrict their use Faruk et al, 2012).…”