Corn husk Fibers Reinforced Polyester Composites: Tensile Strength Properties, Water Absorption Behavior, and Morphology

Abstract

The effects of fiber content and immersion time in the water on the tensile, morphology and water absorption properties of composites made from corn husk fiber/polyester have been studied. Composite made with a variety of different fiber contents namely: 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50% and 60% respectively. All composite specimens were immersed in water for 24 h and 72 h. The effects of fiber content and time of immersion of composites in water have been determined by examining the nature of tensile strength, water absorption behavior, morphology. The results demonstrated that after soaked in water for 24 h and 72 h, the water absorption properties of the composites increased with increasing fiber content. The tensile strength and modulus of elasticity of composites tend to increase from 20% to 30% fiber content after immersed for 24 h, and then decrease with increasing fiber and soaking time because the interface between fiber and polyester becomes weak. These results suggest that corn husk fiber composites could have the potential to use as decking, siding, and exterior windows.