Flexural Properties of Typha Natural Fiber-Reinforced Polyester Composites

The effect of fiber treatment, reinforcement structure and fiber weight ratio on the flexural properties of Typha-polyester composites was studied. A unsaturated polyester matrix reinforced with a mixture of Typha Leaf fibers (M.Ty.LF) and a nonwoven Typha Leaf fibers (NW.Ty.LF) was fabricated with various treatments conditions (sea water, alkali and combined treatment) and fiber weight ratio. Results show that alkali treatment and combined process provided better mechanical properties of composites in comparison with fiber treated by sea water. The fiber weight ratio influenced the flexural properties of composites. Indeed, a maximum value of flexural strength (69.8 MPa) and flexural modulus (6.16 GPa) was observed for 12.6 % fiber weight ratio. SEM photographs revealed a different fracture surface between Typha Leaf fibers reinforced polyester composites.