Synthesis and Characterisation of Sugarcane Bagasse and Pineapple Leaf Particulate Reinforced Polyester Resin Matrix Composites

Abstract

In this study, an experimental research was conducted in developing and characterising sugarcane bagasse and pineapple leaf particulate particulate reınforced polyester resın composıtes. Unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) was reinforced with sugarcane bagasse and pineapple leaf particulates in varied proportions (0 – 25 wt. %) by mould casting. Morphology and mechanical properties of the composites were examined. There was a good dispersion of particulates in the polyester resin. The sugarcane bagasse reinforced composite demonstrated the highest tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact energy of 84.94 MPa, 121.16 MPa, and 7.37 J respectively at 20 wt. % reinforcement. The tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact energy of the composites improved with increasing concentration of the reinforcement. This is an indication of the suitability of the reinforcing materials as fillers for unsaturated polyester resin and an indication of the potential the polymer matrix composite has for low strength applications.