Studies on the Performance of Polyester Composites Reinforced with Functionalized Grewia optiva Short Fibers

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis paper deals with the fabrication and characterization of raw and surface‐modified Grewia optiva fibers reinforced unsaturated polyester (UPE) matrix based composites. Raw and surface‐modified fibers are used in different proportions (10, 20, 30, and 40%) for the fabrication of composites. The fiber proportion is optimized by studying various mechanical properties such as tensile, compressive, and flexural strength of UPE matrix‐based composites. After the optimization of fiber loadings, the optimized samples were evaluated for their physicochemical, thermal, fire retardancy, and biodegradability properties. Physicochemical and thermal stability of the composites is improved after fibers’ surface modification. The effect of different fire retardants (magnesium hydroxide and zinc borate) on the fire‐retardant behavior of polymer composites is also evaluated. Biodegradability of polymer composites is checked by using a soil burial method.