Sisal Fibre Reinforced Research Articles

Investigations on Mechanical Performance of Multi-Layered Microwave Processed HDPE/Sisal Composites for Automobile Applications

The present investigation is based on fabrication of sisal reinforced high density poly ethylene (HDPE) composites using a novel manufacturing route of microwave processing. Microwave processing was carried out in a multimode applicator at 2.45 GHz with single and multi-layered sisal fibre reinforcement. The comparison between single and multilayered sisal fibre reinforced composites were assessed in terms of tensile, flexural and impact strength. It was found that the multi-layered sisal fibre microwave processed composite has superior properties than single layered reinforced composite. The fractography of tensile fractured surfaces was assessed using electron microscopy. The microwave processed HDPE/sisal composites can be used as a dashboard material of an automobile.

Effects of fibre reinforcements on properties of extruded alkali activated earthen building materials

The reaction between clay minerals present in soil and an alkaline solution has the potential to develop in situ binders, which can be harnessed in the development of earth based construction materials. To ascertain the efficacy of this stabilisation mechanism in conjunction with fibres which are commonly used in earthen construction, this study presents a comparative analysis of the reinforcing effect of different fibre types (sisal, Eucalyptus pulp microfibers and polypropylene) in an alkali activated stabilised soil produced using extrusion technique. An evaluation of flexural properties in oven-dry and saturated conditions was conducted to simulate mechanical response in ideal and extreme conditions to evaluate effect of fibre type and content (0–2 vol%). Physical properties were also studied and optimum fibre contents evaluated. Results show that with respect to lignocellulosic fibres, sisal fibre reinforcements yielded the most remarkable result with the highest statistically significant improvement in flexural strength (79% relative to the unreinforced matrix) compared to composites reinforced with Eucalyptus pulp micro-fibres. Improved packing density and attendant reduction in water absorption associated with sisal fibre reinforced composites was attributed to synergistic interactions between sisal fibres and alkali activated matrix. On the other hand, synthetic fibre reinforcement (polypropylene), which had no statistically significant effect on composite flexural strength, transformed brittle unreinforced matrices to deflection hardening composites due to weak fibre-matrix interactions. Sisal fibres have thereby demonstrated a significant reinforcing potential in extruded alkali activated earth-based materials and presents a satisfactory balance of strength, density and ductility for the development of eco-friendly building materials for low cost housing solutions.

Mechanical Characterization of Roselle and Sisal Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites

This paper details the mechanical characterization of natural fibre reinforced polymer composites. This includes the laboratory works such as tensile, flexural and impact tests. The samples of randomly oriented Roselle and Sisal fibre reinforced polyester composites were prepared for the laboratory tests. Theoretical modelling of the composites and calculation of the properties are also presented. The effect of alkali treatment of the fibre on the characteristics of the composite is also included. The results obtained are compared on various aspects to obtain a better performing composite.

Multi-scale modeling and simulation of natural fiber reinforced composites (Bio-composites)

This work presents the numerical analysis of natural fiber reinforced composites (from renewable sources), to evaluate the mechanical behavior of Bio-composites and elucidated the role of micro-mechanical analytical models (Rule of Mixtures and Halpin-Tsai models). Specifically, this study is carried out to perform the Multi-scale modeling and simulation of Biocomposite that constitute of sisal fiber reinforcement and Epoxidized Soybean-Oil (ESO) based matrix. In general, it is difficult to predict the effective properties of natural fiber reinforced composites due to its heterogeneous properties. The Representative Volume Element (RVE) model is capable to estimate the effective properties of Bio-composites. Therefore, RVE model is designed and analyzed based on micro-mechanics by taking the individual properties of fiber and matrix as an input. As a result, the effective properties of Bio-composite can be obtained. Subsequently, a 3-D model of Bio-composite laminated plate behavior is analyzed based on macro-mechanics by taking the effective properties of Bio-composite obtained from micro-mechanical analysis. The obtained effective properties of Bio-composite are validated with the theoretical (Rule of Mixtures) results. The micro-mechanical analysis is carried out using the Digimat (Multi-scale modeling and simulation tool) and macro-mechanical analysis is performed using Ansys software.

Interface Bond Improvement of Sisal Fibre Reinforced Polylactide Composites with Added Epoxy Oligomer

To improve the interfacial bonding of sisal fiber-reinforced polylactide biocomposites, polylactide (PLA) and sisal fibers (SF) were melt-blended to fabricate bio-based composites via in situ reactive interfacial compatibilization with addition of a commercial grade epoxy-functionalized oligomer Joncryl ADR@-4368 (ADR). The FTIR (Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy) analysis and SEM (scanning electron microscope) characterization demonstrated that the PLA molecular chain was bonded to the fiber surface and the epoxy-functionalized oligomer played a hinge-like role between the sisal fibers and the PLA matrix, which resulted in improved interfacial adhesion between the fibers and the PLA matrix. The interfacial reaction and microstructures of composites were further investigated by thermal and rheological analyses, which indicated that the mobility of the PLA molecular chain in composites was restricted because of the introduction of the ADR oligomer, which in turn reflected the improved interfacial interaction between SF and the PLA matrix. These results were further justified with the calculation of activation energies of glass transition relaxation (∆Ea) by dynamic mechanical analysis. The mechanical properties of PLA/SF composites were simultaneously reinforced and toughened with the addition of ADR oligomer. The interfacial interaction and structure–properties relationship of the composites are the key points of this study.

A Novel Approach for the Rheological Behaviour of Polymer Modified Untreated and Treated Sisal Fibre Reinforced Cement Mortar Composites

Polymers and natural fibres in cement composites have long been used in construction activities due to their prospective behaviors. The interactive effect of polymer and natural fibre in fresh cement composites will poses complex influence, which in turn directly influences the strength and durability performances. Moreover, it is implied that the study on the fresh characteristics of cement mortar composites involves multiple rheological properties. To study the rheological properties of cement mortar composites no unified tests are available to evaluate and understand the fresh behaviour. The previous studies on rheology of cement mortar as been carried out using various test equipments such as laboratory vane shear apparatus, direct shear test, flow table, mini-cone slump, LCL workabilimeter, viscometer and rheometers. The tests listed above from various literatures provided useful information on rheological behaviour in terms of flowability, cohesion, yield stress, slump and plastic viscosity. Hence in the present study, the rheological behaviour of cement mortar composites has been studied with two parameter system i.e. flow value (measures mobility of mix) and cohesion (measures stability of mix). In this investigation, rheological behaviour of polymer modified untreated and treated sisal fibre reinforced cement mortar composite for 1:3 mortar have been carried out using flow table test and vane shear test. The parameters considered in this study are water/cement ratio, Polymer dosage and fibre content with and without treatment (silica fume with polymer coating). From the results, it is noticed that the increase of fibre content decreases the flow value but, increases the cohesion of the composite. On the other hand increase of polymer content increases the flow value but, decreases the cohesion. Also, it is observed that the untreated fibre exhibited higher flow and lesser cohesion, as compared to the treated fibre composites. Regression relationships are obtained for flow value and cohesion of various mixes adopted in this study.

Flexural and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) of Polylactic Acid (PLA) Coated Sisal Fibre Reinforced Polyester Composite

This paper presents the study on effect of reinforcement of PLA coated sisal fibres into polyester resin on flexural and DMA of its composite. The composites were fabricated by hand lay-up technique followed by static compression keeping constant 25 wt.% of fibre content with 10 mm fibre length. Flexural and DMA of fabricated composites were obtained using three point bending mode. Flexural analysis were carried out in terms of breaking force, elongation (%), and flexural strength and modulus whereas DMA were carried out in terms of storage modulus (E’), damping (Tanδ) and glass transition temperature (Tg). The results indicated that flexural and dynamic mechanical properties were found to increase due to incorporation of PLA coated sisal fibres.

PLA Coated Sisal Fibre Reinforced Polyester Composite: Static and Dynamic Mechanical Properties

The aim of present study is to overcome the limitations of natural fibres and its polymer based composites. In present work, a new approach as PLA coating of sisal fibres has been used. Hand lay up technique was used to fabricate the polyester based composites using alkali treated and PLA coated sisal fibres. Static analysis in terms of tensile and flexural test, and dynamic mechanical analysis in terms of storage modulus (E’), loss modulus (E”), damping (Tanδ) and glass transition temperature (Tg) was carried out. In addition, morphological analysis of fractured surface of the composites was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results revealed that composite with PLA coated sisal fibres showed better mechanical performance than alkali treated and untreated sisal composites.

Comparative Study of Sisal Fibre and Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete -A Review

Comparative Study of Sisal Fibre and Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete -A Review

Effect of Alkyl Phenol from Cashew Nutshell Liquid and Sisal Fiber Reinforcement on Dry Sliding Wear Behavior of Epoxy Resin

ABSTRACTA phenalkamine made from the reaction of alkyl phenol from cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) and alkaylamine was added at three different weight percentages (30%, 40%, and 50%) as a hardener for curing the epoxy polymer. The effect of phenalkamine concentrtation on mechanical and dry sliding wear resistance properties were compared to synthetic aliphatic amine (TETA) cured epoxy network. It was obsererved that incorporation of phenalkamine improves the dry sliding wear resistance property of the epoxy network along with the impact strength and elongation properties. Epoxy composites incorporating sisal fiber placed unidirectionally (either parallel, anti-parallel, or perpendicular to the sliding direction) were prepared in a vacuum infusion process using phenalkamine as a crosslinking agent. It was observered that wear resistance of longitudinally oriented fibers composite was found to be higher owing to the area of fibers exposed to sliding asperities being smaller. With the goal to understand the brittleness behavior of epoxy networks, fractured surfaces of the epoxy networks were analyzed using optical microscope. A correlation was found between the mechanical and wear resistance properties of the epoxy networks.

Sisal Fiber as Steel Bar Replacement of Lightweight Concrete under Flexural Loading

The potential of natural resources such as pumice and sisal fiber for simple housing structural components is investigated in this research. Behavior of sisal fiber reinforcement of lightweight concrete beam under flexural loading was examined. The purpose of this study is to identify the prospect of sisal fiber as a replacement of steel bar reinforcement for structural element. The variations of reinforcement ratios were considered in order to optimize the performance of sisal fiber reinforcement. Twelve beam specimens size 100 x 150 mm with clean span of 1.5 m were examined in this investigation. Four variations of beam reinforcement were explored consist of 3 sisal fiber variation and 1 steel reinforcement as a control; where every variation was presented with three samples. Enerpac hydraulics Jack with 50 ton capacity connected to the load cell was operated as a source of loading. LVDT was fitted in the mid-span to measure vertical deflections during the loading. Test results indicated that the crack moment experiments were higher than the crack moment calculations. The valued were 1.44, 1.52, and 2.72 higher for sisal fiber reinforcement of B-LF, B-MF and B-HF, respectively. Whilst for steel reinforcement of B-LS the valued were 3.32 higher. Observation results also indicated that the moment resistant capacities of the specimens were twice higher compare to the calculated moment capacity. However, The lowest sisal reinforcement (B-LF) has only about 10% different service moment compare to the steel reinforcement (B-LS) where they both have equal ρ = 1.206 %. This indicate that the use of sisal fiber have considered as insignificant different service moment capacity to the steel reinforcement.

Experimental Study on Sisal Fibre Reinforced concrete With Partial Replacement of Cement by Ground Granulated Blast furnace Slag

Experimental Study on Sisal Fibre Reinforced concrete With Partial Replacement of Cement by Ground Granulated Blast furnace Slag

Mechanical Properties of Waste Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene Metallized Films (BOPP), LLDPE: LDPE Films with Sisal Fibres

The current work describe the enhancement and improvisation of polymer composite repose of sisal fiber reinforcement, Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) and thermoplastic LLDPE: LDPE particulate fillers. The composite were prepared with fiber content 5, 10, 15 and 20% (by weight). The composite are characterized with respect to their mechanical properties (Tensile, flexural and impact strength) were studied. Tensile strength showed an increasing trend with increase in fiber content up to 15% then decreases. Impact strength increases with the increase in fiber content. SEM, DSC analysis shows the morphology and material identification respectively.

Fabrication and Testing of Pure and NaOH Treated Sisal Fibre Reinforced Bio-Composite

Natural fibres are now widely used for reinforcements of materials as they are a reliable resource and the cost is also less. One of the significant reasons of using natural fibres as reinforcements instead of polymers or other plastics is that they are degradable and don’t cause any harm to the environment. This article is particularly centered on polymer matrix composites made of Sisal fibre which was accessible locally and finding the composite’s mechanical property (tensile strength). A number of test samples of sisal fibre composite are fabricated by ASTM standards and made to undergo tensile tests in order to obtain the desired properties. In the later part of the work a comparison between the mechanical properties of a non-treated pure Sisal fibre composite and a NaOH treated Sisal fibre composite is carried out to check for any enhancements in the properties.

Behavior of sisal fiber concrete cylinders externally wrapped with jute FRP

The use of environmentally friendly natural fibers as building materials is benefit to achieve a sustainable construction. This article performs a study on the use of natural jute fibers as reinforcement of concrete and natural sisal fibers in fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites as concrete confinement, i.e. sisal fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) composite column wrapped by jute FRP (JFRP) (SFRC-JFRP). Uniaxial compression test was conducted to assess the compression performance of the composite columns as axial structural member. A total of 24 specimens were tested. The effects of JFRP wrapping thickness and sisal fiber inclusion on the compressive performance of the composite columns were investigated. Results indicate that JFRP confinement significantly increases the compressive strength and ductility of both PC and SFRC with an increase in JFRP thickness. Besides, the inclusion of sisal fiber further enhances the strength as well as the efficiency of confinement under uniaxial compression. Also, the models for ultimate strength and ultimate strain of PC-JFRP and SFRC-JFRP are proposed. POLYM. COMPOS., 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers

Model for Testing Compressive and Flexural Strength of Sisal Fibre Reinforced Compressed Earth Blocks in the Absence of Laboratory Facilities

This study proposes a method of indirectly evaluating strength and therefore durability characteristics of compressed earth blocks in the absence of the normally expensive laboratory facilities. The method, with respect to compressed earth blocks reinforced with sisal fibres, is recommended for application particularly in rural areas of Africa. The developed method entails loading a compressed earth block sample with increasing amounts of weight till the sample raptures (total dead weight) under the load. The weight is then taken and a comparison is made with the standard value of compressive and flexural strength of the said sample. A conversion factor between this developed method and the conventional way of determining compressive and flexural strength has been computed. It has been established that the total dead weight is 47.25 times the flexural strength while the same is 66.4 times the compressive strength. The primary advantage of the proposed method is that it can easily be adapted at village level by people who have little scientific knowledge.

Properties of Boards Made from Rice Husk and Portland cement As Binders and Reinforced with Sisal Fibres

A research study demonstrated that rice husks can be used to manufacture boards whichcan be used in low cost housing if bound by Portland limestone cement (CEM II/A-L/32.5R) and reinforced with sisal fibers to cater for their brittle behavior and that suchboards can provide a substitute for wood panels. Boards made of rice husks and cement inthe ratios of 1/3.3, 1/ 3.6 and 1/4 and with sisal fiber reinforcement contents of 0%, 0.4%,0.5% and 0.8% were prepared and tested for their physical and mechanical properties. Theresults were compared with standard requirements for boards made with wood based fiberand particle panel materials according to DIN 1101 and ISO 2696 and BS EN 634-2.Results indicate that water absorption and thickness swelling decreased with an increase infiber content and that there is an optimum rice husk/ cement ratio and fiber content thatgives maximum flexural strength and that such boards could be used in low cost housingconstruction. The use of such boards could be seen as partially solving the problem ofglobal warming and the problem of pollution associated with the disposal of rice husks indeveloping countries.

Mechanical Behaviour of Sisal Fibre Reinforced Cement Composites

Mechanical Behaviour of Sisal Fibre Reinforced Cement Composites

Tensile and Flexural Properties of Sisal Fibre Reinforced Epoxy Composite: A Comparison between Unidirectional and Mat form of Fibres

Natural fibres offer several benefits such as low density, low cost, environmental friendly and high specific mechanical performance. This work investigates the tensile and flexural properties of sisal fibre reinforced epoxy composite. This composite is prepared by using Hand lay-up method with 15, 20, 25 and 30wt % of sisal fibres into epoxy matrix. Fibres are oriented in unidirectional as well as in the mat form. The tensile and flexural properties of sisal fibre epoxy composite both in unidirectional and in the mat form are found to be maximum at 30wt %. It is found that the composite in unidirectional orientation of fibres gives better tensile and flexural properties in comparison to the mat form.

Properties and Characteristics of Sisal Fibre Reinforced Composite

Using the pin on disc wear testing machine the wear characteristics of sisal fibre composite of different content were studied and alignment of fibres in polymer composite were known by scanning electron microscopy. It was observed that when there was no fibre content, the wear was ~25 micron but when the fibre content made 10% to the polymer, the wear increased upto 100 micron and its increased 125 micron at 20% fibre content, after this there is sharp decrease in wear when the sisal fibre content was increased up to 40% and its again reached to 25 micron when the fibre content was increased up to 60% and again after increasing the fibre content 80% the wear gradually increased to 175 micron. Thus to have less wear the fibre content should be 60% in composite.