Mechanical properties of sisal-epoxy composites as functions of fiber-to-epoxy ratio

Low density, low cost, environmental compatibility, wide availability, and high mechanical performance of raw materials are some considerable advantages of natural fiber composites. Sisal, very common type of natural fiber, is abundantly available in Ethiopia. This research aims to investigate mechanical properties of sisal reinforced composites such as tensile, flexural and impact strength. Fabrication of samples used the hand lay-up process with 15, 25, 30, 35, and 40 wt% sisal fiber to epoxy ratio. Tests for the properties indicated were made using the instron material testing system. Test results demonstrated, among the samples, that 30 wt% of sisal fiber-reinforced composites have the maximum tensile and flexural strength of 85.5 MPa and 85.79 MPa respectively. The impact strength has been found to be maximum for 40 wt% sisal fiber which is 24.5 kJ/m(2). As the result show, and compared with other researcher findings, the mechanical properties are acceptable as substitutes for applications demanding low-cost engineering applications such as automotive internal parts including interior door panel, back seat and body panels.