DOI:
AUTHOR(S)
Md Afif Anowar, Asif Mahmud and Mahbub Hasan
ABSTRACT
Present research explores the production and characteristics of polyester composites strengthened with pineapple leaf and silk fiber hybridization. The composites were prepared using the hand-lay-up method with a 1:1 fiber ratio. The research investigates the impact of different fiber loadings (0, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 wt.%) on the thermos-mechanical and structural properties of the composites. The results of the experiments indicate that adding fibers significantly improved the mechanical properties. The highest values for tensile strength (75.4 MPa), tensile modulus (3061 MPa), flexural strength (91 MPa), flexural modulus (1980 MPa), and hardness (72.6 Shore D) were achieved with a 20% fiber loading, suggesting that this composition is optimal for enhancing the strength and stiffness of the composites. Additionally, impact strength peaked at a 25% fiber loading (869 kJ/m2), indicating that this composition is suitable for applications requiring increased energy absorption. Structural and thermal properties were examined using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Spectroscopic examination confirmed the successful integration of fibers into the composite, while thermogravimetric analysis revealed that composites with a 25% fiber loading displayed superior thermal stability.
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