Performance characterization of composite panels fabricated using natural fibers reinforcement

Abstract

Natural fibres are good for us and good for the environment. They are considered as a renewable resource, carbon-neutral and biodegradable. They can be utilized with minimal damage to the environment. Moreover, the natural fibre from the sources can be replenished with time. It can be grown and harvested again and again. Flax and jute can be considered as annual plants, while the sisal plants can be able to produce the fibre for 10 years and kapok trees can able to produce the fibre for more than 50-60 years. More interestingly, the largest area of growth in the utilization of natural fibre is automotive industries. Natural fibre from plants is considered as an important material for car makers since they are lightweight, strong and a potential alternative to the man-made fibres to reinforce the components. Natural fibres have derived from the various parts of the plant such as leaf, stem, root and bark etc. The objective of the research work is to identify a natural fibre as a new reinforcement in a polymer matrix and to develop lightweight composite materials. Sansevieria zeylanica fibre is one such locally available natural fibre extracted from its leaves as a new reinforcement in a polymer matrix. The local name of Sansevieria zeylanica is Ceylon bowstring hemp and Devils tongue. Till now, the Sansevieria zeylanica fibres (SZFs) have not been used as reinforcement for polymer matrices. There are no reports available on the application of S.zeylanica fibres as a potential reinforcing material in the unsaturated polyester composites. Keeping in the view of the wide availability of S.zeylanica fibres, comprehensive research has been instigated on the study of properties newlineof S.zeylanica fibres and S.zeylanica fibre polyester composites. newline newline