Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Injection Molding Product Reinforced by Bagasse Fiber

Abstract

BMC (Bulk Molding Compound) is composed of glass fiber, UP (unsaturated polyester) resin and filler. Bagasse is the waste obtained after squeezing sugar cane. Our purpose is use bagasse fiber as a reinforcement and filler of BMC, and fabricate product by injection molding and injection compression molding. The mechanical properties of product were improved after adding bagasse fiber. Viewing the fracture surface on tensile test specimen through SEM, we could observe the glass fibers were penetrated into the bagasse fibers longitudinally. Along with the UP resin solidifying, the glass fibers were firmly fixed into the bagasse fibers and finally united with them. This effect indicated the glass fiber length was prolonged so that the adhesion interface with UP resin became larger, and leaded to increase the mechanical properties. Otherwise, it was observed the UP resin was sufficiently permeated through the bagasse fibers and solidified. These phenomena also contributed to enhance the mechanical properties drastically.