An Experimental Study of Physical, Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Alkali Treated Moringa/areca Based Natural Fiber Hybrid Composites

Abstract

In this study, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) composites reinforced with areca sheath and Moringa oleifera fruit fibers were fabricated using injection molding technique. The fabricated composites were designated as Areca sheath fiber/PET (AF composites), Moringa oleifera fruit fibers/PET (MF composites) and Areca/Moringa PET composites (AM composites). Neat PET composites were also prepared for comparison purpose. Physical characteristics such as void percentage, micro-hardness and mechanical characteristics like impact, flexural and tensile strength were investigated. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was done to get a clear idea about the surface texture and study the failure mechanism of the composites. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was also carried out to study the thermal properties of the composites. Experimental results indicated that tensile and flexural properties of MF composites were higher than that of AF and AM composites. However, micro-hardness and impact strength of AM composites were better than that of others. SEM micrographs presented better fiber-matrix bonding in MF composites and this indicated improved resistance of the composite to thermal degradation in TGA analysis. Thus, Moringa oleifera and areca fiber-reinforced PET composites can be used for light to moderately loaded structural engineering applications as an alternative material.

Keywords

• areca sheath fibers
• moringa fruit fibers
• polyethylene terephthalate
• physical/mechanical properties
• thermal properties