Compressive, Chemical Resistance, and Thermal Studies on Kapok/Sisal Fabrics Polyester Composites

The naturally occurring fabrics belonging to the species Ceiba pentandra and Agave Vera Cruz were used as reinforcements in the present study. The unsaturated polyester ( UP) resin based kapok/sisal hybrid composites were developed by the hand lay-up technique at room temperature. The variations in mechanical properties such as compression strength and modulus, chemical resistance and thermal characteristics of these composites are evaluated as a function of fabric/fiber content and different volume ratios of fabrics. The addition of a relatively small amount of sisal fiber to kapok reinforced polyester matrix enhancing the compressive properties of the resulting hybrid composites. A significant improvement in compressive properties of these hybrid composites has been observed by the NaOH treatment. Among all the resultant hybrid composites those with fabrics ratio of 1 : 3 demonstrate improved compressive properties. The chemical resistance of these hybrid composites to different chemical reagents and water was studied.