Fabrication and determination of mechanical properties of sisal/pineapple reinforced un saturated polyester hybrid bio-composite for automobile application :

Abstract

Natural fibers have received a lot of attention as possible alternative replacement for synthetic fibers, as reinforcement of various resins for advanced applications due to their properties, such as: low density, low weight, high specific strength and they are renewable, sustainable, and eco-friendly. In this work, hybrid bio-composite for automobile application derived from un saturated polyester matrix reinforced with sisal and pineapple fibers was fabricated using hand lay-up techniques to replace high synthetic fiber reinforced composite. Light weight components lead to low fuel consumption. The fibers surface was be chemically treated by alkaline sodium hydroxide for removing impurities and improving the interphase bonding between fiber and matrix. The properties of the treated and un treated fibers were determined and treated fibers were found to have high tensile strength compared to un treated fibers. Samples with different sisal/pineapple fiber blend ratios of 100/0, 70/30, 50/50, 30/70 respectively were prepared at 30% and 25% fiber weight fraction and their mechanical properties were determined according to ASTM standards. It was found that fiber blend ratio of 50/50 has the highest tensile strength and young’s modulus both at 30% and 25% fiber weight fraction.