Tensile strength of polyester composites reinforced with PALF

Abstract

Since its beginning, our new century is the witness of sustainable actions associated with energy saving and environmental protection. A typical case is the substitution of natural materials for synthetic ones. In particular, lignocellulosic fibers (LCFs) obtained from plants are replacing glass fiber as reinforcement of polymer composites in engineering applications, including automobile parts. Among the promising LCFs, those from the pineapple leaf fibers (PALF) have a potential for composite reinforcement. Therefore, this work investigates the tensile properties of polymer matrix composites incorporated with up to 30 vol% of PALF. The results show a significant increase in tensile strength and elastic modulus with the amount of fiber. Increase in total deformation is observed above 10 vol% of PALF incorporation. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed a mechanism of crack arrest by the long fibers that are well embedded in the matrix.