Mechanical, thermal and water absorption properties of hybrid sisal/jute fiber reinforced polymer composite

Abstract

In the present work, mechanical, thermal and water absorption properties of hybrid sisal/jute fiber reinforced polymer composite have been investigated. Hybrid composites are prepared by hand lay-up technique keeping constant 30 wt% of total fibers content with various weight ratios of jute and sisal fibers. Mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural and impact are investigated as per ASTM standards. Tensile and flexural test are carried out using Tinius Olsen H 10 K-L Universal Testing Machine with cross head speed of 2 mm/min. In addition, impact test is carried out using Tinius Olsen Impact 104 machine as per ASTM D 256. Thermal stability of prepared composites is obtained using Perkin Elmer TGA 4000 apparatus within temperature 30°C - 800°C in nitrogen atmosphere. Water absorption test is carried out as per ASTM D570 to obtain the maximum water uptake, sorption, diffusion and permeability coefficient. Moreover, morphological analysis is carried out to observe the fracture behavior and fiber pull out of the composite samples using scanning electron microscope. The results indicate that hybrid composite having 50% jute and 50% sisal (J50S50) has higher mechanical and thermal property and lower water absorption property than jute, sisal and other hybrid composites. For further improvement in the property of hybrid composite J50S50, alkali treatment of fibers is carried out and its positive effect is observed in terms of increase in mechanical and thermal properties and decrease in water absorption properties. The present prepared composite can be used in packaging, light weight automotive parts and construction applications.