Banana and sisal fibre reinforced polyester composites

Abstract

In recent years, there is tremendous interest in the use of natural fibres as a substitute for synthetic fibres in composite reinforcement mainly due to environmental concerns, and low cost. This thesis deals with the designing of hybrid and textile composites. In this study, a unique combination of banana and sisal fibres having remarkable difference in mechanical properties has been utilized in unsaturated polyester. A positive hybrid effect was observed in tensile and flexural performance of banana/sisal hybrid fibre composites. Chemical modification of both sisal and banana fibres was imperative for increased interfacial adhesion and it resulted in enhanced mechanical properties. and#1048650; - aminopropyl triethoxy silane (A1100) treated fibre composite denoted the best results compared to other chemical modifications. Both woven and non-woven banana fibre composites show increased tensile properties, while sisal fibre composites reveal enhanced impact properties. Composites were fabricated by compression and resin transfer moulding techniques and their properties were compared. Resin transfer moulded composites showed better properties than compression moulded composites.