Studies on mechanical, morphological, and water absorption properties of agro residues reinforced polyester hybrid composites

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Easwari Engineering College- Chennai.

2 Easwari Engineering College, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India

3 Department of Information Technology, Easwari Engineering College - Chennai

4 Professor, Department of mechanical engineering, Government college of engineering,Thanjavur

Abstract

Researchers are increasingly directing their attention towards hybrid fiber laminates, which can be crafted from either natural or synthetic fibers. The Waste to Wealth approach effectively curtails the incineration of paddy straw fibers, reducing air pollution by transforming waste materials into valuable products. In this investigation, paddy straw waste fibers were gathered, and Pine Apple Leaf Fiber (PALF) was extracted using an extraction machine. Alkali treatment was employed to enhance the adhesion properties between the fiber and matrix. Various fiber tests, including the single fiber test, fiber tenacity, fiber fineness, and fiber surface imaging, were conducted to compare the properties of treated and untreated fibers. The reinforcements and matrix were weighed at different percentages using a semi-automatic compression molding machine. The mechanical and morphological behavior of the hybrid fiber-reinforced polyester composites were then assessed. The S9 laminate exhibited a maximum tensile strength of 30.5 MPa, a flexural strength of 47.55 MPa, an impact strength of 108.28 KJ/m2, a hardness strength of 44 HV, and a shear strength of 41.2 MPa. Fractured specimens' failures were identified through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The introduction of PALF fiber content (0%, 5%, 10%) resulted in incremental improvements in mechanical strength and a reduction in water absorption properties. Crop residues are completely transformed into innovative products such as tabletops, writing desks, particle boards, and various home applications.

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