Investigation of mechanical and thermal behaviors of dual fibre loaded reinforced vinylester composites

Due to ecological imbalances and global warming caused by synthetic fibres and petrochemical polymers, researchers are increasingly focusing on the study and fabrication of natural fibre-reinforced polymer composites. To date, no reports have been found on the synergistic effect of abaca and sisal fibre on vinylester (VE). In this research, a novel composite based on VE matrix containing sisal and abaca, ranging from 10 to 30 wt% loadings was developed. After fabrication of different composite samples, their physico-chemical properties were evaluated and examined. The results indicated that the dual fibre loaded vinyl ester composite with 30 wt% revealed maximum mechanical strength (29 MPa) compared to the pure VE (6 MPa). Similarly, the values of flexural (855 MPa), impact (10.77 kJ/mm2) and hardness strengths (86 HRB) of 30 wt% dual fibre loadings were increased compared to the neat VE (Flexural - 238 MPa, Impact - 6 kJ/mm2, Hardness - 9 HRB). The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) depicted that the addition of sisal and abaca fibre decreases the initial onset degradation temperature of VE, respectively, but their weight residues were higher than those of pure VE indicating higher thermal stability. Further, the water absorption studies depicted decreased moisture absorption for the developed VE composites containing sisal and abaca fibre. Hence, the enhanced physico-chemical properties of newly developed composites were suitable for various applications ranging from aerospace to sports equipment.