Synthesis, Characterization and Study of Pine Needles Reinforced Polymer Matrix Based Composites

The aim of the present research article was to study the perspectives of using natural fibers in polymer composites. Keeping in view the enormous advantages of natural fibers, in the present communication a study on the synthesis of pine needles reinforced polymer composites using phenol-formaldehyde (PF) as a novel polymer matrix through compression molding technique has been reported. Effect of fiber loading on mechanical properties such as tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, and wear resistances has also been determined. Reinforcing of the PF resin with pine needles was done in particle form (200 mu m). The present study reveals that mechanical properties such as: tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, and wear resistance of the PF resin increases up to 30% fiber loading and then decreases for higher fiber loading when fibers are incorporated into the polymer matrix.