Comprehensive Characterization of Industrially Discarded Cymbopogon Flexuosus Stem Fiber Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Composites: Effect of Fiber Length and Weight Fraction

Abstract

Industrial biowaste used as reinforcing materials for polymer composites has attained paramount importance. In this work, biowaste such as Cymbopogon flexuosus stem fiber (CFSF) was reinforced with unsaturated polyester. The results confirmed the enhancement of the mechanical properties with an increase of up to 30 wt.% fiber content and fiber length up to 40 mm. However, further addition declines the properties due to debonding of fiber with the matrix as identified by SEM analysis carried out in fractured specimens. It was also observed that the incorporation of CFSF decreased the rate of water absorption and increased the composite thermal stability.

Keywords

• biowaste
• cymbopogon flexuosus stem
• mechanical properties
• thermal properties
• water uptake behavior
• interfacial bonding