Synthesis and characterization of short sisal fibre polyester composites

Abstract

Natural fibres have the potential to replace synthetic fibres for making polymer composites because of their good engineering properties. Sisal fibres obtained from the leaves of the sisal plant exhibit high strength among various other natural fibres, but have not been yet fully explored. Nevertheless, the impact of sisal fibre in polymer composites depends on sisal fibre extraction process, characteristic of fibre, fibre binder ratios, synthesizing technique, etc. In the present study, a detailed experimental protocol was conducted for sisal cultivation, fibre extraction, processing and development of composite boards/panels and assessed the impact of incorporation of chopped strand sisal fibre mat on the mechanical behaviour of polyester composites. The results revealed that the diameter of sisal fibre harvested after 5 years of its cultivation varied from 275 to 475 µm with a tensile strength of 121-337 MPa; tensile modulus of 2.59-10.47 GPa; elongation at break varied from 3.37 to 10.86%. It is imperative to note that the mechanical properties of sisal composites significantly improved with the incorporation of chopped strand sisal fibre mat (preform). The tensile, flexural and impact strengths of composites developed using chopped short sisal fibre mat (preform) were 45.87 ± 3.2, 102.29 ± 9, 33,954 ± 5288 J m −2 , respectively. The findings of the study revealed the effectiveness of sisal fibre as reinforcing materials in polyester composites for use in building construction products and automotive applications.

Effect of Diisocyanates as Compatibilizer on the Properties of BF/PBAT Composites by In Situ Reactive Compatibilization, Crosslinking and Chain Extension

“…In particular, natural fibers reinforced with plastic composites have high mechanical properties, and have great potential in the application of packaging materials [1]. Previous works have confirmed that blending plastic with appropriate sisal, bagasse, bamboo flour (BF), flax, wood powder, or other cellulose fibers could significantly reinforce the mechanical properties of the plastic composite, especially the bending modulus and impact strength [2][3][4][5][6][7]. The physical properties, such as length, diameter, growth cycle, and cost, of the most-used natural fibers are listed in Table 1.…”

Review on Modifications of Sisal Fibers for Textile Applications

“…Non-conventional or technical category involves textile applications which are based on the functional requirements. Sisal fibers are utilized as a reinforcing agent in making composites for varieties of technical applications including agro textiles, automotive, aerospace, upholstery, shades, sports, construction and geotextiles (Umair and Khan, 2020;Uppal et al, 2019;Richaud et al, 2017;Desai and Kant, 2016;Qin, 2016;Prabakar and Sridhar, 2002).…”

“…al., (2023), doi: 10.52339/tjet.v42i2.916 depletion of the petrochemical resources and associated environmental footprint encourages the need for natural fibers (Salit et al, 2015b). Furthermore, synthetic fibers have negative environmental effects since they are nonbiodegradable thus attract needs for further research in natural fibers to replace the synthetic ones (Uppal et al, 2019;Balakrishnan et al, 2016). Sisal is among the most researched leaf fibers in the efforts to replace synthetic fibers (de Klerk et al, 2020;Naveen et al, 2018;Senthilkumar et al, 2018;Kumre et al, 2017;Sahu and Gupta, 2017a;Ibrahim et al, 2016).…”

“…Chemically, sisal fiber is composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and moisture as indicated in Table 2. Good mechanical properties attracts use in different textiles applications especially in areas which demand high mechanical strength (Shahzad et al, 2022;Getu et al, 2020;Kumar et al, 2019;Uppal et al, 2019;Sahu & Gupta, 2017a;Senthilkumar et al, 2018). Sisal fibers are also used in packaging and agriculture applications.…”

Recent Advancement via Experimental Investigation of the Mechanical Characteristics of Sisal and Juncus Fibre-Reinforced Bio-Composites

“…Uppal et al [18] observed that composites containing short shredded sisal fibres have high mechanical properties compared to those formed from sisal fabric. The ageing of these fibres also changes the mechanical properties of the bio-composites compared to those having newly chopped sisal fibres.…”