Effect of sisal fiber on flexural and impact properties of PMMA-b-PU composites

Abstract

Abstract One of the objectives for this research is to enhance the toughness of PMMA by blending with rubbery materials such as polyurethane (PU). PMMA-b-PU is prepared with bulk polymerization via casting process by PU as the tough phase and PMMA as the stiff phase. In addition, to improve mechanical properties of PMMA-b-PU, sisal fiber (SF) is used as reinforcing agent. To improve compatibility between sisal fiber and polymers, the sisal fiber surface is treated by sodium hydroxide and N1-(3-Trimethoxy-silylpropyl)diethylene-triamine as silane coupling agent. Fibers interval arrangement (3, 6, and 10mm) and pattern arrangement (unidirectional and bidirectional pattern) of sisal fiber are investigated on properties i.e., flexural and impact properties, of PMMA-b-PU composites. PMMA-b-PU with alkaline and silane treated sisal fiber are observed for the increment of flexural modulus, flexural strength and impact strength comparing to PMMA-b-PU. For studying the effect of fiber interval arrangement on mechanical properties of PMMA-b-PU/sisal fiber, the reduction of distance between fibers led to increase flexural modulus, flexural strength and impact strength. In term of studying effect of fiber pattern arrangement, the bidirectional pattern arrangement provides higher flexural and impact properties than the unidirectional pattern arrangement.