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This research focuses on comparing the properties of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) diffused coir fiber polyester composites (MCF‐PCs) with neat coir fiber polyester composites (NCF‐PCs) and exploring its applications in various industrial sectors such as automotive, construction and manufacturing, where mechanical strength and fire resistance are critical factors. The study aims to investigate the physical, mechanical, thermal degradation, fire performance, and vibration properties of these composites. Compression molding was used to develop composites with different coir fiber loadings (10%, 20%, and 30% by weight). MoS2 nanoparticles diffused on the fiber surface significantly improved mechanical characteristics, thermal stability, and fiber‐matrix compatibility. The findings indicate better crystallinity and physical properties in MCF‐PCs compared to NCF‐PCs. Morphological observations confirmed improved fiber‐matrix compatibility in MoS2‐diffused fiber composites with polyester. The MCF‐PC with 20% loading exhibited the highest tensile (28 ± 1.24 MPa), flexural (50 ± 0.50 MPa), and impact (15 ± 1.01 kJ/m2) strength. The flame retardancy of the composites was evaluated using a horizontal combustion test apparatus. In addition, MCF‐PCs exhibited better flame retardancy as evidenced by lower flame propagation velocity (9 ± 0.20 mm/min) and increased ignition time (13 ± 0.29 Sec). The MCF‐PC with 20% loading shows maximum natural frequencies of 77 ± 4.1 Hz. Highlights: This study investigated MoS2‐diffused coir fiber‐reinforced polyester composites.Fiber‐matrix adhesion can be improved with modified fiber‐reinforced composites.The MoS2 diffusion on fibers improved the physical and mechanical properties of polyester composites.The MoS2 diffusion on fibers enhanced the thermal and vibrational characteristics of polyester composites.MoS2‐diffused natural fiber composites offer considerable research potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The attention of agricultural product waste residues is gathering significance in automotive, structural, and marine applications. Agricultural bio-waste residues are extracted from various crops and utilized as reinforcement cheaply. The epoxy hybrid composite is prepared with different blending ratios of bio-degradable banana (BF) and neem (NF) fiber. Influences of chemical treatment on tensile strength and moisture absorption performance of composite are studied by ASTM standard, and results proved the fiber loading in the epoxy matrix found increased tensile strength and moisture absorption capability. Amid the combinations, the silane-treated BF/NF (3:1) composite has 1.3±0.11 g/cc density, high tensile strength of 72.45±1.1 MPa and increased moisture absorption resistance of 43.78 %. The observed silane-treated composite (BF/NF 3:1) tensile strength performance studied under the dry state is 56.19±1.1 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer matrix composites have been featured with natural fiber and offered superior tribomechanical properties compared to synthetic fiber-made polymer composites. During the composite fabrication with continuous and untreated natural fiber, problems with poor adhesive, incompatibility, and de-bond from the matrix result in reduced tribomechnical properties. This study focuses on the tribology properties enhancement of polyester resin composite made with 4, 8, 12, and 16 mm pineapple leaf fiber (chemically treated) by hand layup technique assisted with compression load. The influences of fiber length on hardness, wear rate, and the coefficient of friction of developed composites are studied. The composite containing 16 mm fiber length facilitates a maximum hardness of 77.8±0.6 HV with an increased wear resistance of 0.0065 mm3/Nm at 10 N and a higher coefficient of friction of 0.73 at 20 N at 1 m/s. The wear debris surface was analyzed via SEM approach. The best sample used for automotive seat frame application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various weight fractions (ranging from 0 to 30 wt percent, at 5 wt percent intervals) of microcrystalline wood charcoal powder (75µm) were used to generate polyester-based particle reinforced composites. The developed wood charcoal (WC) particles reinforced polyester matrix composites were successfully characterized quantitatively, qualitatively, and functionally using an energy dispersive x-ray spectrophotometer (EDXRF), scanning electron microscope (SEM) enhanced with ancillary EDS for elemental identification capability and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). High peaks of Fe2O3 (3456cps/mA), CaO (4369cps/mA), CuO (2017cps/mA), ZnO (1646cps/mA) and Iron, calcium, copper, zinc were discovered in wood charcoal by EDXRF. The characteristics of reinforced polymer composites were found to be improved by these elements and oxides. The key elements revealed by EDXRF analysis were also validated by EDS elemental mapping. Due to the uniform distribution of the filler particles, SEM images showed that composites with microcrystalline wood charcoal reinforcement had strong interfacial adhesion and interlocking. According to FTIR functional analysis, interactions between the polyester matrix molecules and the microcrystalline wood charcoal fillers resulted in very slight alterations in the frequency bands of functional groups that are typically present in unsaturated polyester resin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesis and characterization of 4-[(E)-(5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzylidene) amino]-N-(4-methylpyrimidin-2-yl) benzenesulfonamide (SA) has been performed. Alumina (Al2O3) and SA reinforced polyester composites are synthesized, and characterization processes are carried out. SA formed has been characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spektrofotometre and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The thermal decomposition behavior of the nanocomposites in a nitrogen environment under non-isothermal conditions from 298 to 973 K is investigated with proportional-integral-derivative (PID) system. Thermal conductivity, Shore D hardness, and thermal decomposition behaviors of the nanocomposites that are added with alumina filler and synthesized with SA reinforcement have been compared. Nano-alumina filler raises the thermal conductivity coefficient and Shore D hardness of the polyester composites. The addition of synthesized SA reduces both the thermal conductivity coefficient and Shore D hardness. The thermal conductivity coefficient has been measured at the lowest in the pure polyester (0.056 W/m·K), and highest in the nano-alumina reinforced composite (0.072 W/m·K). The lowest Shore D hardness (nearly 68) is determined in the synthesized SA reinforced composite. Also, the experimental study has been optimized with the help of response surface methodology (RSM), and the improved theoretical models have been evaluated by statistical analysis. Thermodynamic parameters of polyester nano-composites Thermal decomposition analyses of polyester nano-composites Physico-chemical characterization of polyester nano-composites [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, recycled and commercial Ti6Al4V powder was added to polyester composites at various filling ratios by weight fraction. Three weight fractions of Ti6Al4V particles, 0%, 5%, and 10%, were chosen for study. By examining the mechanical and microstructural properties of polyester composites, the effects of the Ti6Al4V powder proportion by weight fraction and particle size parameters were investigated. With the filler loading, a 39% increase in the tensile strength of the composites was achieved. A minor decrease in flexural strength was observed at 5% filler weight fraction. The addition of the recycled Ti6Al4V powder to the polyester matrix slightly reduced the thermal conductivity of the composite over that of the neat polymer. However, the incorporation of the commercial Ti6Al4V powder fillers in the polyester matrix considerably increased the thermal conductivity of the composites, suggesting several potential uses. The presence of high levels of oxygen in the powder led to reduced thermal conductivity of the composites due to the reduction in phonon scattering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, both environmentally friendly and economical composites have been produced by using biomass wastes in unsaturated polyester. The use of renewable biomass wastes as a filler in unsaturated polyester is reduced the carbon footprint of the composite obtained. A low-density and flexible structure could be achieved according to the intended use of polyester composites. While the density of the pure polyester polymer not reinforced with biomass is around 1206 kg/m3, the density of the 5 wt.% filler added composite decreases to 1167 kg/m3. Biomass waste (Asphodelus aestivus L.) reduces Shore D hardness of the polyester composite and turns it into a more flexible and easy-to-process material. It has been observed that the thermal conductivity coefficient of the biomass reinforced polyester composite shows a slight increase compared to the pure polyester composite. Besides, it has been determined that as the amount of biomass in the polyester composite increases, the activation energy decreases. The specific bond structure in the polyester polymer has been determined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Biomass waste is not making a chemical bond with polyester, it is only used as a filler. Also, the surface morphology of the polyester composite has been investigated with the help of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The use of 3 wt.% Asphodelus aestivus L. biomass as a filler does not create a negative pore structure on the composite surface.

The characterized of the polyester composites rein)forced of the hybrid fiber musa acuminata stem fiber (MASF)-hibiscus tiliaceust bark fiber (HTBF) with liquid rubber filler was studied. The object of research is the polyester composite material, hybrid natural fiber reinforcement and filler Carboxyl Terminated Butadiene Acrylonitryle (CTBN). The polyester composite material which is used as a vehicle bumper, is easily broken and has low heat resistance so that its shape easily changes/ shrinks due to heat. This research aims to develop the ten)sile strength, impact toughness and heat resistance of poly)ester composites. The reason for using the MASF-HTBF hybrid fiber as a reinforcement for polyester composite materials is because MASF and HTBF are natural fibers that have great potential to be developed to improve the mechanical properties of polyester composites, as substitutes for synthetic fibers. In this study, the conditions of MASF and HTBF were given alkaline treatment by immers)ing them in 5 % NaOH solution for 24 hours then drying. The combined/hybrid ratio between the MASF and CTBF volume fractions is: 5 %: 25 %, 10 %: 20 % and 15 %:15 %. To increase impact toughness, CTBN filler is added with variations of 5 %, 10 %. The mechanical characteristics of the specimens were carried out by means of a tensile test and an impact test. The change in mass or shrinkage as a result is tested by TGA. The results showed that the MASF-HTBF hybrid fiber-reinforced polyester composite material with CTBN filler has better mechanical properties than single natural fibers, so it is important to develop it further as a material for making vehicle bumper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present era, recycling and reducing environmental pollution are the main objectives of sustainable development. Many researchers are thinking of innovation in the field of composite technology by utilizing waste material. The objective of this work is to check the effect of a human hair (waste material) as fiber on physical and mechanical properties. Tensile, flexural, impact strengths and hardness of human hair based polyester composite were evaluated to assess the possibility of using it as a new material in various engineering applications for longer life. The addition of polyester to the human hair fiber with marble dust adds as filler to increase the Impact strength of fabricated composite. Samples are fabricated by the hand lay-up process (40: 20: 40 matrix, filler and fiber ratio by weight), and the mechanical properties like tensile, flexural, impact using the Universal Testing Machine, Hardness test using Rockwell hardness testing machine, Impact using Izod impact test were all evaluated. It is an eco-friendly, long life and cost effective solution for various applications.

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In the present era, recycling and reducing environmental pollution are the main objectives of sustainable development. Many researchers are thinking of innovation in the field of composite technology by utilizing waste material. The objective of this work is to check the effect of a human hair (waste material) as fiber on physical and mechanical properties. Tensile, flexural, impact strengths and hardness of human hair based polyester composite were evaluated to assess the possibility of using it as a new material in various engineering applications for longer life. The addition of polyester to the human hair fiber with marble dust adds as filler to increase the Impact strength of fabricated composite. Samples are fabricated by the hand lay-up process (40: 20: 40 matrix, filler and fiber ratio by weight), and the mechanical properties like tensile, flexural, impact using the Universal Testing Machine, Hardness test using Rockwell hardness testing machine, Impact using Izod impact test were all evaluated. It is an eco-friendly, long life and cost effective solution for various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, recycled and commercial Ti6Al4V powder was added to polyester composites at various filling ratios by weight fraction. Three weight fractions of Ti6Al4V particles, 0%, 5%, and 10%, were chosen for study. By examining the mechanical and microstructural properties of polyester composites, the effects of the Ti6Al4V powder proportion by weight fraction and particle size parameters were investigated. With the filler loading, a 39% increase in the tensile strength of the composites was achieved. A minor decrease in flexural strength was observed at 5% filler weight fraction. The addition of the recycled Ti6Al4V powder to the polyester matrix slightly reduced the thermal conductivity of the composite over that of the neat polymer. However, the incorporation of the commercial Ti6Al4V powder fillers in the polyester matrix considerably increased the thermal conductivity of the composites, suggesting several potential uses. The presence of high levels of oxygen in the powder led to reduced thermal conductivity of the composites due to the reduction in phonon scattering.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of peach stone shell on the mechanical properties of polyester-based composites. Polyester based composite materials were prepared by the hand casting method by adding 149-297 µm peach stone shell powder to an unsaturated polyester resin at different ratios of 5, 10, 20, and 40 wt%. To evaluate the performances of the pure polyester and composite samples obtained, they were subjected to different mechanical tests such as tensile strength, flexural strength, and hardness. According to the results of the mechanical tests, it was determined that the peach stone shell added to the polyester resin reduced the tensile and flexural strength values of the composite samples, but did not adversely affect the hardness value except for 40 wt%. As the ratio of peach stone shells in the mixture increased, the modulus of elasticity of the produced composite samples also decreased. The distribution of peach stone shell particles in the polyester matrix was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of composite materials has expanded in industrial applications around the world, reinforcing composites with waste materials like chicken feather is one of the effective ways to solve environmental concerns compared to traditional methods, as it is considered one of the renewable and inexpensive methods, in addition to its presence in abundance. The main added feature of composite materials over classic materials are the light weight. This paper investigates the effect of immersion media for a polyester composite reinforced with chicken feather fillers to enhance the creep characteristic. The composite was manufactured using a hand-layup process. The samples were produced by varying the weight ratios of fibre loading (0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8%) and immersed in three different media (KCl (salt media), NaOH (alkali media) and HNO3 (acid media)). The creep samples were tested according to ASTM standards. The results show that chicken feather-reinforced composites immersed in various media have probable applications because of their superior mechanical properties over non-reinforced composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a natural fibre, jute has great demand in diversified areas. For the aesthetic view in furniture, jute fabrics are getting importance by the manufacturer as well as the user. For this reason, jute fabrics reinforcing composites are developed using jute fabrics with different types of matrix materials to enhance their performance based on their end use. The present research aims to predict the physical and mechanical criteria of different layer jute polyester composites. Different layers composites were prepared by incorporating the jute fabrics into unsaturated polyester resin along with hardener by the easy hand lay-up technique at room temperature and humidity conditions. Physico-mechanical criteria, water uptake in distilled water, dimensional stability, and analysis of fracture surface for 2-layer, 4-layer, and 6-layer jute polyester composites were carried out. The composite renders noteworthy cost, ensure appropriate strength and enhance environment-friendly characteristics. The jute fibre content in the composites is optimised with the extent of mechanical criteria. Composites with 6-layer jute had higher physico-mechanical criteria compared to other layered jute polyester composites. However, 2-layer jute fabric composite was more sustainable according to cost. Thus, there is a wide application of this jute composite, particularly, furniture, interior design material of the kitchen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, waste masks (WM) that pollute the environment have been evaluated in the polyester composite. Some physical and chemical properties of the obtained composite have been characterized. In particular, its density, Shore D hardness, thermal conductivity, thermal stability, and porosity have been determined. Waste masks were collected, disinfect, ground, dried and added into unsaturated polyester (UP) at the rates of 0 %, 2 %, 5 %, 7 %, and 10 % by mass as a filler. Mask wastes were reinforced to the unsaturated polyester in certain proportions and were homogenized thoroughly for 10 minutes at a mixing speed of 1000 rpm. Then, the chemical reaction has been carried out with the help of methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) and cobalt octoate (Co Oc) catalysts. The chemical bond structure of the produced polyester composites was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR). According to the results, both density and Shore D hardness of the composites decreased as the WM ratios in the composites increased. It has been evaluated that the mechanical strength of the polyester composite and porosity raises with increasing WM ratio. The increase in WM by mass in the polyester composite raises thermal conductivity and activation energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study contributes towards showing the potential end-of-life application of common wastes namely: Waste Toner powder (WTP) and African star apple shell powder (ASASP) as low cost reinforcement for polymer composites. Herein, the effect of varying weight fractions ranging from 0 to 25 wt% for ASASP and 0–10 wt% for WTP on some mechanical properties were studied. Results showed that incorporation of both waste materials into unsaturated polyester led to a reduction in flexural properties, and a significant improvement in tensile strength, Young's modulus and hardness of polyester. For WTP-reinforced composites, WTP1 with tensile strength, flexural strength, elongation at break and hardness value of 31.4 MPa, 109.1 MPa, 5.77% and 823 HLD, respectively, exhibited the best combination of properties. Similarly, ASASP4 with tensile strength, flexural strength, elongation at break and hardness value of 28.9 MPa, 66.9 MPa, 3.016% and 703.5 HLD, respectively, exhibited the best combination of properties for ASASP-reinforced composites. Morphological analysis showed that although fine natured, with a higher tendency to agglomerate, WTP showed better interfacial bonding and lesser particle agglomeration than ASASP. These results show that utilizing these wastes as composite filler extends their life cycle and is coherent with the principles of circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The textile industries produce huge KF waste which should be utilized optimally. In this study, the KF waste was used to produce a composite. The mechanical properties of KF waste reinforced composites were observed. The important factor which affects the mechanical properties is the fiber configuration. Tensile and flexural tests were used to characterize the composite's products. The tensile properties were evaluated according to ASTM D-638, while the flexural properties were examined following ASTM D-790. The results showed that the unidirectional fiber orientation had the highest tensile (76.5 MPa) and flexural (151.3 MPa) strengths. The results show that the polyester composites reinforced with KF waste exhibit equivalent tensile and flexural properties of composites composed of regular KFs if arranged in unidirectional orientation. Thus, the appropriate fiber orientation gives the best composite results.

In this study, composites of unsaturated polyester resin (UPR), synthesized from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), with 10 to 40% in volume of corn straw fiber (CSF), were elaborated and studied the effect of fiber content on their physical and mechanical properties. The content of cellulose (48.97%), hemicellulose (24.06%), and lignin (6.59%) were determined by chemical characterization of CSF. The characteristic bonds of the UPR were identified as a cross‐linking network between the styrene monomer (ST) and the unsaturated polyester (UP) through FTIR. Two decomposition stages were observed by TGA–DTG. The results of physical and mechanical properties showed that as the fiber content increased in the UPR, the water absorption increased (0.6% to 2.56%), on the other hand, the density (1218.23 to 1150.28 kg/m3), flexural strength (50.58 to 26.98 MPa), flexural modulus (2.66 to 2.29 GPa), tensile strength (8.62 to 3.65 MPa), tensile modulus (1.18 to 0.43 GPa), and hardness (81.67 to 65.67 Shore D), they decreased. SEM analysis showed some defects in the fiber distribution in the UPR, which affected the mechanical properties of the composites. This research contributes to the development of new material from use of two waste materials for the benefit of the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkali treated jute fibre incorporated silanized ZrO2 based unsaturated polyester composites were synthesized using compression moulding technique. The filler loading was adopted with a progressive wt. %, of 5, 15, 25, 35 and 45 respectively. These samples were further subjected to structural investigation using scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction technique to observe the morphological features and crystalline nature of the matrix. The mechanical characterization was accomplished at the microstructural length scale from macro to submicron range. It was observed that the composite with 35 wt. % filler loading resulted in the best properties among the lot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical and water-absorption properties of composites made from sisal fiber and polyester matrix have been investigated. Test specimens were prepared with untreated fiber and treated with alkaline solution of sodium hydroxide. The amount of fiber content in the composites varied with values of 10%, 20%, and 30% by volume. The test results indicate that the alkaline treatment has improved the tensile, compressive, and impact strength of the composite with the added benefit of low water absorption. The impact strength is found to increase with an increase in the fiber content. However, the tensile and compressive strengths have decreased; water-absorption rate has increased with an increase in the fiber content.

This study investigated the mechanical and wear properties of heat-treated pultruded kenaf fiber-reinforced polyester composites (PKFPCs) using pultrusion technique. A total of three heat treatment temperatures (120, 140, and 170°C) of PKFPC and untreated PKFPC were produced and their performance was compared. Different sliding conditions and different heat treatment temperatures on PKFPC were tested according to the Taguchi orthogonal array design of experiment. The worn surfaces and transfer films produced were examined using scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that PKFPC with a 140°C heat treatment exhibited better wear performance than untreated PKFPC and PKFPC with 120 and 170°C heat treatments. The flexural strength and modulus of PKFPC increased after heat treatment. The counterface roughness and heat treatment temperature are the most significant factors affecting the wear performance of PKFPC. The optimum sliding conditions to achieve lowest wear and friction in the tested operating environment were determined.

In recent years, several investigators have made efforts to satisfy industrial and transportation demands with respect to high mechanical properties. Moreover, the transparent composites are needed for automotive and aircraft applications. Thus, developing more efficient and advanced transparent composite techniques has recently got more attention but seldom studied in harsh conditions. The main goal of the present study is to investigate the impact of exposing a transparent polyester composite to different temperatures ranging from high to very low (60, room temperature, 0, -30, -60, and -80 °C) and 50% humidity. The study of the effect on both fibers and matrix upon exposure to the different conditions and the composite represents an attempt towards climate resistance. In this research, fracture toughness of E-glass fiber reinforced unsaturated polyester composite at high and very low temperatures and humid environments were investigated. The investigation deals with the characterization of fracture strength properties according to the ASTM standards and mechanism of fracture by scanning electron microscopy. The transparent composite was fabricated from the unsaturated polyester matrix and E-glass fibers. Using of E-glass fiber for reinforcing with 15% volume percent for preparation of the transparent composite exhibits fracture toughness at very low temperatures. It was also noted that the technique of giving an excellent transparent polyester composite can be utilized confidently to architect and aircraft structures.

In this study, the synthesis and characterization of abrasive polyester composite discs reinforced with apricot kernel shell (AKS) particles and hexagonal boron nitride (BN) were carried out as an alternative to the methods used to remove the surface corrosion from metallic surfaces. Polyester composites were obtained by unsaturated polyester resin as a matrix and AKSs (1%, 3%, 5% and 10% weight ratio) with 200 mesh and 1% BN as reinforcements. Kernel shells as a source of cellulose were used for increasing mechanical stability of abrasive composite discs. The structure and chemical properties of the obtained composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, X‐ray spectrophotometer and SEM analysis. Their thermal properties were determined by differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The synthesized polyester composites were molded into cylindrical discs and the corrosion and paint layer abrasive properties of these discs on different corroded metal surfaces were investigated. The hardness of the prepared abrasive polyester composites were also measured as mechanical properties. The hardness values of prepared abrasive discs were determined as 21.9, 22.1, 23.4, 24.5 and 25.9 ± 0.1 for pure PE, 1%, 3%, 5% and 10% composites, respectively. In addition, the cleaning ability of the abrasive composites on the metal surface was determined by measuring the surface roughness and the amount of peeling. As a result, it has been determined that the most suitable optimum conditions are achieved with a contribution of 10% AKS particles reinforced composite structure considering the features such as cleaned surface roughness, cleaning suitability and composite abrasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research is to find the effect of volume fraction variation of “gelam” bark fiber on tensile and impact strength of polyester composite. The filler material was the “gelam” bark fiber with volume variation ratio of 10%, 30 %, 50 % and 70 %. Alkalization of the “gelam” bark fiber used 5% of NaOH and 2 hours of soaking time. Mechanical testing was carried out by tensile and impact testing. The matrix for bonding the “gelam” bark fiber was polyester resin type 157 BTQN and 1% concentration of MEKPO catalyst. The mechanical properties are obtained from tensile and impact testing: The results of tensile testing; slowed the highest tensile strength of compositre with 70% of ‘gelam bark fiber was 15.623 MPa. The results of impact testing: obtained the highest impact strength in composete with 70 % percentage of ‘gelam’ bark fiber is 24.772 J.

Mechanical and water-absorption properties of composites made from sisal fiber and polyester matrix have been investigated. Test specimens were prepared with untreated fiber and treated with alkaline solution of sodium hydroxide. The amount of fiber content in the composites varied with values of 10%, 20%, and 30% by volume. The test results indicate that the alkaline treatment has improved the tensile, compressive, and impact strength of the composite with the added benefit of low water absorption. The impact strength is found to increase with an increase in the fiber content. However, the tensile and compressive strengths have decreased; water-absorption rate has increased with an increase in the fiber content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the mechanical and wear properties of heat-treated pultruded kenaf fiber-reinforced polyester composites (PKFPCs) using pultrusion technique. A total of three heat treatment temperatures (120, 140, and 170°C) of PKFPC and untreated PKFPC were produced and their performance was compared. Different sliding conditions and different heat treatment temperatures on PKFPC were tested according to the Taguchi orthogonal array design of experiment. The worn surfaces and transfer films produced were examined using scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that PKFPC with a 140°C heat treatment exhibited better wear performance than untreated PKFPC and PKFPC with 120 and 170°C heat treatments. The flexural strength and modulus of PKFPC increased after heat treatment. The counterface roughness and heat treatment temperature are the most significant factors affecting the wear performance of PKFPC. The optimum sliding conditions to achieve lowest wear and friction in the tested operating environment were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on the dry sliding wear behavior of the natural fiber called borassus fruit fiber (Palmyra fruit fiber) reinforced polyester composite. Composites are molded with different fiber weight fractions. Composites are fabricated by using both the untreated and the mercerized fibers. Mercerizations of the fibers are done with 1 N solution. The structural properties like tensile, flexural, and impact strengths are experimented as per ASTM and reported. The dry sliding wear study was done using the Pin-on-Disc apparatus as per ASTM G99. In particular, more emphasis has been devoted for wear behaviors at different velocity conditions and loads. Based on the experimental data, the optimum sliding velocity and the corresponding load were suggested.