Study on mechanical, thermal and morphology behavior of sisal / Bentonite nanoclay reinforced cardanol biopolymer composites

Abstract

Cardanol and its derivatives are presently thought to be particularly appealing intermediates for generating novel materials from renewable bio-sources for utilize in environmentally pleasant procedures. In order to create novel polymer composites, this study details the synthesis and characterisation of a bio resin named cardanol that is produced from cashew nut shell liquid (CSNL). Locally harvested sisal fibers were dried out in an oven to reduce humidity. These fibers were then cut into 15 mm lengths and chemically treated sisal fibers using an alkaline process. Compression moulding was used to make polymer composites of cardanol reinforced with 15% wt% 15 mm sisal fiber (SF) and bentonite nanoclay (with nanoclay% levels of 0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, and 7%). FT-IR spectroscopies were used to characterise the bio resin cardanol. Mechanical behaviour for cardanol nano composites was assessed using tensile, flexural, and impact tests and water absorption test. Furthermore, the thermal and morphology behaviour of cardanol nanoclay composites is examined. The results confirmed that increasing the range of nanoclay by up to 5% enhanced mechanical characteristics.