Investigation of fiber content on physical-mechanical properties of mercerized sisal(Agave Sisalana) fiber-polyester composites

More composite materials are using natural fibers as reinforcement. Natural fibers are not only affordable, plentiful, and durable but also environmentally benign because they can be reproduced safely and emit few greenhouse gases. The strength of the natural fiber-reinforced composite is not ideal, though, due to the weak bond between the surface of the natural fiber and the matrix, particularly the thermoset matrix. Giving natural fibers an alkaline treatment is one technique to strengthen the interfacial bond between them and the matrix. The goal of the study is to determine how sisal fiber content affects the mechanical and physical characteristics of composite materials. The sisal fiber was submerged in a 5% NaOH solution for two hours before being neutralized and dried with clean water. Composites made with an unsaturated polyester are made from mercerized sisal fiber that has a moisture content of 10% or higher. The fiber volume fraction used has a composition of 0, 5, 10, and 15%. The composites were created using the compression molding technique. Additionally, the composites are evaluated for their density, water absorption, and thickness swelling. Additionally, composite materials underwent tensile and flexural tests in accordance with ASTM D 638 and D 790 standards. The untreated sisal fiber-polyester composites' tensile strengths were 18.6 MPa, 16.15 MPa, and 53.78 MPa, respectively, while their tensile modulus values were 1.9 GPa, 1.92 GPa, and 3.04 GPa. Tensile strength of mercerized sisal fiber-polyester composites with fiber volume fractions of 5, 10, and 15% were 40.94 MPa, 45.34 MPa, and 58.06 MPa, respectively, while the tensile modulus was 2.76 GPa, 2.61 GPa, and 3.31 GPa. The issue of fiber pull out is made worse by the rise in fiber volume percentage.