Mechanical and moisture absorption behaviour of Woven pineapple leaf phenol formaldehyde composites

Abstract

Pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) has been proved for its cellulose rich content, cost effectiveness, and its availability, which has the reinforcement of polymer potential. In our study, composite specimens were prepared with woven pineapple fibre as reinforcement and phenol formaldehyde as matrix. Samples were ready with fibre content 30%, 35%, 40%, and 50%. The above said specimens were implies to mechanical test to find out its properties. In finding of the results it is understandable that the Mechanical properties has been increased while adding the fibre content up to 40% and drop it off. This happens due to the poor bonding properties between the fibre and the matrix. While increasing the fibre content to above certain limit, Instead of fibre dispersion the congregation takes place, Due to the obstacles caused for the resin to enter in to the two adjacent fibres the wettability turns into poor. Also, all the samples were subjected to water absorption tests and the results showed 40% fibre showed better properties. The microstructure of the composites was studied.