Sisal Fibre Reinforced Research Articles

Enhancing mechanical properties of foam concrete with sisal fiber reinforcement: An experimental investigation

Enhancing mechanical properties of foam concrete with sisal fiber reinforcement: An experimental investigation

Enhancing wear resistance, mechanical properties of composite materials through sisal and glass fiber reinforcement with epoxy resin and graphite filler

This study investigates the mechanical and wears properties of sisal and glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composites with graphite as filler material. We assessed the mechanical properties of the hand-layup-fabricated composite materials, including hardness, tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength, by ASTM standards. We also performed wear evaluations using a pin-on-disc apparatus. The results showed that the weight fractions of sisal fiber, glass fiber, graphite, and epoxy resin significantly affected the mechanical properties of the composites. In contrast to composites reinforced with individual fibers, hybrid composites exhibited enhanced mechanical properties. The optimized compositions showed improvements in tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness properties. The wear analysis revealed that a variety of factors, including the weight percentage of reinforcement, sliding velocity, load, and sliding distance, had an impact on the composites' wear resistance. The SEM images provided significant insights into the composite material's micro structural characteristics and failure mechanisms. In general, this research showcases the potential of graphite filler-reinforced sisal and glass fiber epoxy composites for use in applications that demand exceptional abrasion resistance and mechanical strength. Further refinement of the composition and processing methodologies could lead to the development of composites tailored to specific application demands.

Evaluating Sisal Fiber-Reinforced Gypsum Composites for Water Absorption and Mechanical Performance

There has been a great research interest for investigation of new construction materials which can reduce environmental impact and cost, with improved structural performance. Recently, sisal fiber is being used as a reinforcement material in the development of reinforced composites. Here, sisal fiber-gypsum reinforced composites were prepared using the hand lay-up method followed by the compression technique. The effects of weight percentage (Wt. %) of the sisal fiber reinforcement on the mechanical properties of the developed sisal fiber-gypsum composites were investigated experimentally by varying the Wt. % as 5, 10, and 15%. The mechanical properties were tested as per the ASTM standards. The results revealed that the long unidirectional sisal fiber-gypsum composites exhibited higher impact and hardness strengths with lower water absorption behaviour than the short-chopped sisal fiber-gypsum composites. In addition, the impact strength increased with increase in Wt. % for both short-chopped and long unidirectional sisal fiber reinforcement. While the hardness strength decreased with increase in Wt. % for both short-chopped and long unidirectional sisal fiber. The experimental investigation has established sisal fiber as an important reinforcement material for improving the performance of the neat gypsum in a wide range of architectural applications such as ceilings, decorative partitions, and light covers.

Development and characterization of microwave‐processed linear low‐density polyethylene based sisal/jute hybrid laminates

AbstractNatural fiber‐reinforced composites are gaining significant popularity for their biodegradability and eco‐friendliness. Fiber modifications and hybridization have been used to address issues like hydrophilicity and fiber inhomogeneity. However, efficient manufacturing is still a challenge for natural fiber‐reinforced polymer composites. The present study explores the potential of microwave processing of hybrid laminates composed of sisal and jute fibers. The laminates, consisting of linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) as matrix and sisal and jute as reinforcement materials were subjected to microwave processing at specific power, time, frequency, and loads. Four types of laminates with different stacking sequences: sisal‐sisal‐sisal (SSS), sisal‐jute‐sisal (SJS), jute‐sisal‐jute (JSJ), and jute‐jute‐jute (JJJ) were developed. The developed composites showed ~3% void content, with the SJS and JSJ composite having the least and highest void content, respectively. The SJS composite showed the highest tensile and flexural strength of 15.27 and 20.40 MPa, respectively, out of all the configurations and an improvement of 42% and 85% over pure LLDPE. Hybrid composites having high‐strength fibers in the skin layer exhibited superior mechanical properties. Microscopic examination of the fractured specimens revealed that fiber pull‐out and fiber breakage were the primary failure mechanisms of failure. Lateral failure due to delamination between matrix and fiber was predominant with grip and gauge regions as frequent failure points. The incorporation of sisal and jute fiber reinforcement into the polymers doesn't change the thermal stability of the fabricated composites significantly. The above results show that microwave‐assisted processing is a promising method for producing natural fiber‐reinforced hybrid polymer composites.Highlights Development of hybrid laminates using microwave energy at 2.45 GHz. The mechanism of microwave‐based processing of polymer composites has been discussed. Effect of layering sequence on mechanical and thermal properties of the developed composite. Assessment of tensile strength with morphology, flexural strength and thermo‐gravimetric analysis.

Finite Element Analysis of Polymeric Matrix Composites with Sisal Fiber Reinforcement

Recently, there has been a growing interest in investigating the mechanical properties of plant fibers, particularly in developing nations. This surge is primarily fueled by the escalating environmental concerns, which are becoming more evident and alarming. Against this backdrop, various sectors of materials engineering are actively seeking alternatives to mitigate the environmental impact across the entire lifecycle of products - from production to use and disposal. This study aims to conduct a computational analysis to examine the influence of fiber quantity on the tensile strength of composites containing sisal fibers. It compares the findings with existing experimental test results and demonstrates the outcomes using the finite element method. The research reveals that greater tensile strength in the composites is achieved with higher volumetric fractions of sisal fiber, as observed in both experimental and computational analyses. These results underscore a strong correlation between finite element analysis and experimental tests documented in the literature.

Chemical‐treated sisal fiber reinforcement in red mud composites: Advancing mechanical strength and environmental sustainability

AbstractThe use of industrial waste red mud in polymer composites promotes environmental sustainability by mitigating the environmental impacts associated with landfill disposal. Previous research by the authors on red mud sisal fiber composites resulted in increased strength; it is expected that the strength can be increased further through fiber treatment. As a result, the current study sought to examine the effects of chemical‐treated sisal fiber reinforcement on the mechanical properties of red mud composites. Alkaline treatment and silane treatment were both used as chemical treatment methods. Red mud was added in three different weight percentages, and composites were built using the compression molding method and tested for hardness, tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength. The findings indicate that the strength of the composite increases with the incorporation of treated fibers, silane‐treated 30% red mud composites showed a maximum hardness of around 92 shore D. The tensile strength of the composites containing 20% red mud and treated with silane was the highest, reaching ca. 63 MPa. This significant increase in strength was attributed to the formation of strong interfacial bonding between the red mud, fiber, and matrix. Furthermore, the silane‐treated 20 wt% red mud composites have the highest flexural strength (ca. 244 MPa) and impact strength (ca. 26 J/m). However, increasing the red mud content above 20 wt% resulted in decreased tensile, flexural, and impact strength due to poor bond development, and red mud agglomeration. The findings of this study are beneficial for the design and development of composites based on red mud, as well as for promoting sustainable waste management practices.Highlights Red mud composites achieve superior mechanical strength. Chemical treatment enhances sisal fiber reinforcement. Sustainable waste management promoted through composite utilization. Strong interfacial bonding improves composite performance.

A Study on Mechanical Properties of Sisal Fibre Reinforced Epoxy Based Biocomposite Material with Potato Starch as Filler Material

This study investigates into the mechanical properties of a novel biocomposite material formed by reinforcing epoxy with sisal fibers and incorporating potato starch as a filler. The increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly materials has spurred the exploration of natural fibers and bio-fillers in composite manufacturing. In this research, the focus lies on sisal fibers known for their exceptional strength and potato starch, recognized for its biodegradability and widespread availability. Key Words: sisal fiber, epoxy, biocomposite, mechanical properties, potato starch.

Enhanced mechanical and durability resilience of plastic aggregate concrete modified with nano-iron oxide and sisal fiber reinforcement

The utilization of electronic plastic waste (EPW) as a substitute for traditional aggregates in concrete has gained attention for its potential to reduce environmental waste. However, the incorporation of EPW aggregate leads to reduced mechanical properties, limiting its structural applications. This paper aims to address this issue by enhancing the mechanical and durability properties of EPW aggregate concrete by incorporating nano iron oxide particles (NIOP) and sisal fiber (SsF) reinforcement. Natural coarse aggregates were partially replaced with 30% EPW coarse aggregate (EPWCA). The performance of the resulting concrete was thoroughly investigated by incorporating 1% SsF and varying NIOP content from 1.0% to 4% of the cement’s weight. The workability of concrete is compromised by the intrusion of both NIOP and SsF. However, the addition of SsF and NIOP decreases and increases the hardened density of the resulting concrete, respectively. The combined effect of NIOP and SsF reinforcement led to enhanced performance of EPW concrete, with the superior performance observed in the EPW concrete modified with 4% NIOP and 1% SF. This modification led to increases of approximately 15.81% in compressive strength, 22.80% in splitting-tensile strength, 21.75% in flexural strength, and 28.79% in bi-surface shear strength. In terms of durability, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) values demonstrated a net increase of approximately 6.50%, while sorption and water absorption capacity showed reductions of approximately 8.04% and 4.52%, respectively. Moreover, the modified EPW concrete exhibited a net decrease of 28.79% in linear shrinkage compared to the control virgin concrete. Forensic investigations confirmed microstructural densification resulting from the addition of NIOP. Thus, the modified EPW concrete with NIOP and SsF reinforcement shows promise in enhancing overall performance and promoting eco-friendly construction practices.

Enhanced fracture and durability resilience using bio-intriggered sisal fibers in concrete

Biomimetic agents and natural fibers are the promising combo to enhance the strength and self-healing efficacy of concrete infrastructures. However, their contribution in durability and fracture attributes of the host concrete matrix is still questionable. This study explores the use of sisal fiber reinforcement and Bacillus Subtilis to modify the fracture, shrinkage, and durability performance of concrete. Fracture response was analyzed in compression, tension and flexural followed by durability tests conducted for chloride penetration, water absorption, and acid resistance. Results revealed that the addition of Bacillus Subtilis increases stiffness, while sisal fiber imparts ductility to the concrete. The resulting mixture exhibited significant improvements in compressive strength (14.0%), split tensile strength (36.8%), flexural strength (30.9%), and bi-surface shear strength (25.4%) as compared to the control mixture. Additionally, the toughness indices of the resulting concrete improved under compressive, split tensile, and flexural loadings. Incorporating sisal fiber and Bacillus Subtilis into concrete mixtures also led to a notable reduction in linear shrinkage (58.9%), attributed primarily to the fiber-reinforcing effect. When sisal fiber and Bacillus Subtilis are combined in the concrete mix, there is a net improvement in the concrete's durability. The resulting blend exhibited an increase of 18.3%, 24%, and 14.1% in resistance to water absorption, chloride ion penetration depth, and acid attack, respectively, as compared to the control mixture. Micro-forensics endorsed the signatures of microbially-induced calcite precipitation in the concrete mixture, which contributed to add in the durability of the resulting matrix. The study demonstrated that the conjunctive use of Bacillus Subtilis and sisal fiber can yield durable and ductile concrete. The findings provide valuable insights into the use of biomimetic agents and natural fibers to enhance concrete fracture and durability attributes, with significant potential for practical applications in the construction industry.

Jute Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Tube-Confined Sisal Fiber-Reinforced Recycled Aggregate Concrete Waste.

In this study, the compressive performance of sisal fiber-reinforced recycled aggregate concrete (SFRAC) composite, confined with jute fiber-reinforced polymer (JFRP) tube (the structure was termed as JFRP–SFRAC) was assessed. A total of 36 cylindrical specimens were tested under uniaxial compression. Three major experimental variables were investigated: (1) the compressive strength of concrete core (i.e., 25.0 MPa and 32.5 MPa), (2) jute fiber orientation angle with respect to the hoop direction of a JFRP tube (i.e., β = 0°, 30° and 45°), and (3) the reinforcement of sisal fiber (i.e., 0% and 0.3% by mass of cement). This study revealed that the prefabricated JFRP tube resulted in a significant enhancement of the compressive strength and deformation ability of RAC and SFRAC. The enhancements in strength and ultimate strain of the composite columns were more pronounced for concrete with a higher strength. The strength and ultimate strain of JFRP-confined specimens decreased with an increase in fiber orientation angle β from 0° to 45°. The sisal fiber reinforcement effectively improved the integrity of the RAC and reduced the propagation of cracks in RAC. The stress–strain behaviors of JFRP–RAC and JFRP–SFRAC were predicted by the Lam and Teng’s model with the revised ultimate condition equations.

Natural Cellulosic Fiber Reinforced Concrete: Influence of Fiber Type and Loading Percentage on Mechanical and Water Absorption Performance.

The paper reports experimental research regarding the mechanical characteristics of concrete reinforced with natural cellulosic fibers like jute, sisal, sugarcane, and coconut. Each type of natural fiber, with an average of 30 mm length, was mixed with a concrete matrix in varying proportions of 0.5% to 3% mass. The tensile and compressive strength of the developed concrete samples with cellulosic fiber reinforcement gradually increased with the increasing proportion of natural cellulosic fibers up to 2%. A further increase in fiber loading fraction results in deterioration of the mechanical properties. By using jute and sisal fiber reinforcement, about 11.6% to 20.2% improvement in tensile and compressive strength, respectively, was observed compared to plain concrete, just by adding 2% of fibers in the concrete mix. Bending strength increased for the natural fiber-based concrete with up to 1.5% fiber loading. However, a decrease in bending strength was observed beyond 1.5% loading due to cracks at fiber−concrete interface. The impact performance showed gradual improvement with natural fiber loading of up to 2%. The water absorption capacity of natural cellulosic fiber reinforced concrete decreased substantially; however, it increased with the loading percent of fibers. The natural fiber reinforced concrete can be commercially used for interior or exterior pavements and flooring slabs as a sustainable construction material for the future.

Comparative Analysis of the Effect of Fibre Architecture on the Tensile Properties of Sisal Fibre Reinforced Polyethylene Polymer Composite

This work investigates the effect of fibre architecture on the mechanical properties of composite laminates fabricated from natural sisal fibres reinforced with polyethylene polymer matrix. The main objective for this is to determine which architectural pattern produces the best material in terms of mechanical properties that can be employed for use in the fabrication of engineering components to replace the more expensive components produced from the highly expensive synthetic fibre materials. Four fibre architectural patterns were chosen and tailor-made for the study namely;±45° angled ply, 0°/90° cross ply, 90° and 0°unidirectional plies. A five layered composite laminates were manufactured from the fabrics and subjected to mechanical tensile tests using Instron universal testing machine (model 4467) having 30kN load cell attached to it and an extensometer gauge length 75mm at a crosshead speed of 200mm/min. The result of the mechanical tests revealed that the 90° laminate gives the best mechanical properties such as; elastic modulus, yield strength and tensile strength amongst the fabricated composite laminates. It was followed by the ±45° angle plied laminate, the 90° unidirectional fibre laminate and lastly the 0°unidirectional fibre laminate has the lowest mechanical properties amongst all the laminates tested. SEM micrographs of the fractured surfaces reveal that the failure modes of the laminates are characterized mostly by fibre-matrix debonding, fibre delamination, fibre splitting, fibre cracking and so on.

Comparative Analysis of Hole Surface Quality in CNC Drilling of Novel Sisal Fibre Reinforced Aluminium Wire Mesh Sandwich Composite and Sisal Fiber Laminate With 90°/0°/90° Ply Orientation Angle

Comparative Analysis of Hole Surface Quality in CNC Drilling of Novel Sisal Fibre Reinforced Aluminium Wire Mesh Sandwich Composite and Sisal Fiber Laminate With 90°/0°/90° Ply Orientation Angle

Comparative Analysis of hole surface quality in CNC Drilling of Novel Sisal Fibre Reinforced Aluminium Wire Mesh Sandwich Composite and Sisal Fiber Laminate with 45°/0°/45° Ply Orientation Angle

Comparative Analysis of hole surface quality in CNC Drilling of Novel Sisal Fibre Reinforced Aluminium Wire Mesh Sandwich Composite and Sisal Fiber Laminate with 45°/0°/45° Ply Orientation Angle

Flexural Properties of Surface-Modified Sisal Fiber-Reinforced Polyester Resin Composites

ABSTRACT This study includes untreated sisal fibers, fibers that had been mercerized using 0.06 M NaOH and fibers cornified at 100°C in different volume fractions used as reinforcement into a general purpose unsaturated polyester resin matrix. Untreated sisal fiber-reinforced polyester resin displayed the most significant gain in flexural strength with a Modulus of Rupture of 79.32 Mpa at 2% fiber volume fraction, which represented a 296.65% increase compared to unreinforced polyester resin. Cornified sisal fiber-reinforced polyester resin had the least significant gain in flexural strength with a maximum Modulus of Rupture of 49.71 Mpa at a 1.2% fiber volume fraction, which represented a 142.8% increase in flexural strength compared to the unreinforced polyester resin specimen. These results show that the untreated sisal fiber reinforcement could withstand the thermal effect of the exothermic curing of unsaturated polyester resin better than the surface-modified sisal fibers.

Sisal Fiber-Polymer–Treated Sand Mechanical Properties in Triaxial Test

ABSTRACT Natural sisal fiber is an environment-friendly and efficient material for soil reinforcement. Many studies have reported that the shear strength of soil has been improved by the addition of fiber. However, the mechanical properties of sand can be more effectively improved by the incorporation of water-based polymer and sisal fiber. An extensive laboratory testing program was conducted to determine the effect of water-based polyurethane and sisal fiber reinforcement on sand. Laboratory tests included sieve analysis, X-ray diffraction, conventional triaxial compression, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests. The effects of polymer content (PC), fiber content (FC), fiber length (FL), and sample dry density (ρ) are thoroughly investigated. The results indicate that the increases of PC, FC, and ρ all improve the mechanical properties of sand. For FL, this improvement in shear strength was maintained to FLs of up to 18 mm. Beyond 18 mm, the shear strength decreased with further increase in FL. The mixing of polymer and fiber changes the failure mode from shear faulting to ductile flow. This indicates that the ductility of sand is improved. From the SEM images we found that sisal fibers, binding with colloidal materials formed by polymer, fill the sand voids and join the sand particles. This demonstrates that mixing of fiber and polymer can enhance the bonding of sand particles.

Analyzing the mechanical behaviour of sisal fiber reinforced IPN matrix

The studies of composite materials are widely encouraged by various engineering product developers due to its enhanced compatibility and physical properties. This course of study deals with a new combination of sisal fiber reinforcement with IPN (Interpenetrating Polymer Networks) resins. The mechanical behaviour of sisal and IPN resins laminates are observed and studied in this experiment. Various proportions of sisal fiber in corporations were carried out such as 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%. These laminate structures were experimentally tested under tensile testing, impact testing and flexural testing. The micro structural behaviour of the laminates structures were viewed using scanning electron microscope. The entire results obtained by using experimentation were cross verified using ANSYS software. Finally the results of both experimental and finite element method using ANSYS software were found to be in good co-relation.

Influence of Glass Fiber Hybridization on Mechanical Characteristics of Sisal Fibre Reinforced Composite Material

Influence of Glass Fiber Hybridization on Mechanical Characteristics of Sisal Fibre Reinforced Composite Material

Estimating the shear strength of sisal fibre reinforced concrete

This research examines the shear strength of Sisal Fibre Reinforced Concrete (SSFRC).Sisal Fibre (SSF) addition was at 1% by weight of dry constituents, this is considered the upper limit for workable mixes in the absence of water reducing agents. Beams of various grades of concrete (20N/mm 2 to 40N/mm 2 ) were tested and they all failed in shear. Experimental results of beams were compared with modified versions of the BS 8110 formula for shear strength in concrete, to determine the best fit. The inclusion of SSF at 1% addition increased the compressive strength of the concrete mix by an average of 16.9% and the shear strength by 16%. However, the shear strengths of the SFRC are only greater than those of normal concrete of corresponding compressive strengths by 9.5%. The equation proposed may be used to estimate the shear strength of SSF reinforced concrete at this level of fibre addition. Keywords : Compressive strength, Reinforced concrete, Shear strength, Sisal fibre.

Performance in Binary Characteristics of Sisal Fibre Reinforced Concrete

This research study has experimentally performed on the compressive strength, split tensile flexural strength and durability test method also emphasized in various mixes of high-performance concrete. The maximum compressive strength of concrete was noted for different curing days, while the addition of fly ash 20% with 15% of slag along with1% of sisal fiber reinforced concrete than compared to Plain Portland cement content up to 100%. Further, increasing the cementitious binder content there is a drastic fall in strength gain was observed than that of other mixes. On the contrary, the best mix was identified that's 10% fly ash along with 15% of slag produced the highest compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength for different days of cured the concrete specimens. Also, the durability test performed as prescribed in ATMC 1202, based on the lab test results, it is concluded that the electrical charge passed over all the concrete specimen at 28 and 56 days presents the lesser values 1000 (coulombs) this is the evidently proved that the high resistance towards the corrosions and drastically reduced the chloride ions permeability except for plain cement concrete.