Production of Reinforced Polyester Composite from Okra Fibre and Sawdust

Abstract

This research presents properties of okra and sawdust reinforced polyester composite. The compatibility of the simple woven okra and sawdust with polyester was enhanced with stearic acid treatment. FTIR analysis confirmed decrease in hydrophilicity of the fibre and dust. Six composite samples; pure polyester, sawdust reinforced polyester composite, okra reinforced polyester composite, 10% sawdust in okra fibre reinforced composite, 20% sawdust in okra fibre reinforced composite and 30% sawdust in okra fibre reinforced composites were fabricated and characterized. The morphological analysis showed that the homogeneity of polyester in the samples reduces with increase in sawdust filler (10-30 wt%). Water absorption was highest (1.6%) in 30% sawdust in okra. The densities of all the composites were between 3.5 – 4.5 kg/m3. The sawdust reinforced composite recorded low impact energy of 0.25 J while the woven okra fibre reinforced polyester recorded the highest impact energy of 9.9 J. Hardness property reduced as the biomass content increased. Unreinforced polyester recorded the highest average elongation of 25% (1400 µm) and reduced elongation as filler increased. The storage modulus was highest for unreinforced composite at 40oC but as the temperature reached 81oC the storage modulus of unreinforced polyester dropped lower than the sawdust composite. The damping factor (1.41) was highest for 20 wt% sawdust/okra polyester composite. This research concludes that sawdust and okra are suitable for lightweight and energy damping materials in automobile applications.

Mechanical Characterization and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis of Recycled Low Density Polyethylene Filled Unsaturated Polyester Composite

“…From the result, it shows that the storage modulus (elastic response) does not depend strongly on the filler (RLDPE) loading as no regular pattern was observed. However, there was an obvious decrease in storage modulus for all the composite samples as temperature increases, and this is as a result of molecular mobility of the polymer chain [3], [20], [21].…”

“…It is undoubtedly one of the widely used thermosetting polymers for composite development. Owing to its excellent dimensional stability as well as less expensive a lot of work has been reported on UPR composite [1][2][3][4][5]. These properties have made them the most preferred choice of matrices for composite applications however, the resin has low toughness property and hence, very brittle [4].…”

“…However, this method reduces both the strength and glass transition temperature T g respectively [4]. Finally, a lot of work has been done on the use of natural fibres as reinforcing filler for UPR composite in a bid to improve toughness property amongst other properties [2], [3], [7], [8] and [9].…”

The impact of chemical treatment and gamma-ray irradiation on the okra hessian cloth reinforced high-density polyethylene composites

“…A universal testing machine (UTM) model 1011, UK, was used to assess the tensile strength according to ASTMD638, 4,12 the tensile strength ( TS ) and Young’s modulus ( Y ) of HDPE, UOHPC, TOHPC, and IOHPC5 were respectably measured with a crosshead speed of 10 mm/min and a gauge length of 30 mm. The impact strength ( IS ) of the fabricated composites was measured by the universal impact tester (HUNGTA INSTRUMENT CO. LTD., Taiwan) using a hammer mass of 2.63 kg, a lift angle of 150°, and a gravity distance of 30.68 mm.…”

“…This is achieved by reducing the hydrophilicity of okra fiber in the composites. 11,12 Several papers on fiber-reinforced composites prepared using gamma-ray irradiation have been published. 13,14 Studies have reported exceptional enhancements in the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites achieved through gamma-ray irradiation.…”