Tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness properties of alkaline-treated Sunnhemp fiber reinforced polyester composites

Abstract

The natural fibers and their specific properties attracted researchers in the recent years for the development of new polymer composites. In this way, the Crotalaria juncea L. (Sunnhemp) fiber was identified as a potential material for reinforcement and the preparation of polyester-based polymer matrix composites was carried out. The present investigation was focused on fabrication of untreated and alkaline-treated C. juncea L. (Sunnhemp)–polyester composite laminates and the evaluation of tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness properties as per ASTM. The different kinds of fiber orientations such as random, continuous, biaxial, and triaxial were considered and the properties were evaluated.

Keywords

• crotalaria juncea l.
• polyester
• retting
• tensile
• flexural
• impact
• hardness