The Effect of Fiber Treatment on the Mechanical Properties of Christmas Palm Fiber-Polyester Composites

Abstract

This paper aims at introducing and investigating the mechanical properties of new variety of natural fibers (Christmas palm fiber) used as reinforcement in polymer matrix composites. It was inferred that the poor inter laminar bonding between the Christmas palm fibers and polyester matrix restricted the mechanical properties of the composites. Hence surface modifications of Christmas palm fibers by means of alkali treatment were done in a view to enhance the bonding nature of the Christmas palm fiber with polyester matrix. The composite fabrication is carried out using compression moulding machine and the mechanical properties were tested as per ASTM standards. The effect of soaking time and solution concentration of Sodium hydroxide on the mechanical properties of Christmas palm fiber reinforced polyester composites were studied and fiber treatment conditions for better mechanical properties are identified. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigations showed that surface modification improved the fiber/ matrix adhesion which in turn enhanced the mechanical properties of the Christmas palm fiber reinforced polyester composite.