Mechanical and Dielectric Properties of Thysanolaena Maxima (Broom Grass) Long Fibre Reinforced Polyester Composites

Abstract

A new natural fibre i.e. broom grass botanically called “Thysanolaena maxima” is introduced in the present work with a view to understand its properties initially. Then the untreated and chemically treated fibre is reinforced into the polyester matrix and the composites are fabricated to test their mechanical and dielectric properties strictly as per ASTM procedures. The highest tensile strength of 82.39 MPa, modulus of 1.05 GPa is obtained for broom grass CT – 1, CT – 2 fibres respectively. With CT – 2, 3 broom grass FRP composites achieved highest tensile strength, modulus respectively at maximum fibre volume fraction. Broom grass CT – 2 FRP composites have shown good flexural strength, modulus of 78.51 MPa, 5.31 GPa respectively than the other composites investigated in the present work. Impact strength of 91.11 kJ/m2 is achieved for broom grass FRP composites at 39.35% fibre volume fraction. The insulating light weight material according to required dielectric strength is selected from the composites reinforced with broom grass at different volume fractions of fibre. Fibre morphology is understood from the scanning electron micrographs of fibre.