Surface-Modified Sisal Fiber-Reinforced Eco-Friendly Composites: Mechanical, Thermal,and Diffusion Studies

摘要

To improve the fiber/matrix interaction, sisal fibers were subjected to various chemical and physical modifications such as mercerization, heating at 100°C, permanganate treatment, benzoylation, and silanization. Polyester composites were fabricated using compression molding. Tensile and flexural properties increased for every treated fiber-reinforced composites with a reduction in the impact strength. This is attributed to the improved interfacial adhesion between fiber and polyester matrix. An increase in thermal stability was observed for the treated fiber-reinforced composites especially at lower temperature. Significant reduction in water uptake occurred for the treated fiber-reinforced composites at 30 C and 90 C. Scanning electron micrograph studies have been used to substantiate the above observations.