8 - Mechanical Properties and Morphological Analysis of Roselle/Sugar Palm Fiber Reinforced Vinyl Ester Hybrid Composites

Abstract

Roselle/sugar palm fiber reinforced vinyl ester (RFVE) hybrid composites (R/SPFVE) were prepared using a hand lay-up method and an internal mixer. The hybrid composite samples were prepared under two different parameters: with various fiber contents; and without fiber (neat VE). The mechanical properties (tensile and flexural) were investigated. The morphological properties of the tensile fracture samples were studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Roselle/sugar palm fiber reinforced VE (R/SPFVE) hybrid composites showed increased tensile strength and tensile modulus. The highest tensile strength and modulus were at 20 vt% fiber loading which indicated 50% roselle fiber and 50% sugar palm. However, flexural strength decreased as the fiber was present. SEM showed that there was good fiber/matrix adhesion and fiber dispersion for 20% fiber loading of roselle/sugar palm hybrid composites (50% roselle and 50% sugar palm), which were reflected in the good tensile strength properties.