In this work, the characteristics of a vegetable fibre (luffa cylindrica) polyester composite are studied as a function of fibre surface treatment (with NaOH, Ca(OH) 2 and silane) and fibre content (30%, 40% and 50%). Composites were prepared through compression moulding and characterized with thermogravimetric and dynamic-mechanical analyses. Higher storage modulus was obtained with Ca(OH) 2 treated composites, reaching nearly 70% increase. Higher loss modulus (E") was noted in for silane treated fibre (at 50%) and a high peak in damping factor was noted for Ca(OH) 2 treated fibre (at 50%). Cole-cole plot showed highest homogeneity for the Ca(OH) 2 treated composites. Electron microscopy revealed the fracture modes in static tested composites. The general properties obtained indicate that the composites can only be used for low loading applications.
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