A comparative study on mechanical properties of sisal-leaf fibre-reinforced polyester composites prepared by resin transfer and compression moulding techniques

Resin transfer moulding (RTM) is a novel technology, which bridges the gap between labour intensive hand lay-up process and capital-intensive compression moulding. The present study investigates the tensile and flexural behaviour of sisal fibre reinforced polyester composites as a function of fibre length and fibre content. The composites were prepared by RTM and compression moulding techniques. The properties obtained for composites fabricated by both RTM and compression Moulding were compared. From the studies it was found that mechanical properties increase with increase in fibre loading in both cases. The void content and water absorption properties at varying fibre loading were evaluated and found maximum for the compression moulded composites. To analyse the fracture surface morphology of the composites scanning electron microscopy was also performed. A good correlation between morphological and mechanical properties has been observed. Finally, the Young's modulus and water absorption properties of the composites fabricated by RTM were compared with theoretical predictions. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.