The Application of Peach Palm Fibers as an Alternative to Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composites

The present work shows the behavior of non-treated and chemical pre-treated peach palm fibers, as reinforcement polymer composites. Chemical treatments with H2O2, NaOH, and C3H3N and their effects on adhesion performance of the fiber with unsaturated polyester resin are carried out. SEM is used to determine a time exposition of the fibers to chemical reagent and thermal characterization of these fibers after set time is performed. A hand lay-up method is applied to develop the composites and they are tested for tensile strength and Izod impact strength. The TGA of the fibers pre-treated with H2O2 20V for 144 h show better thermal stability when compared with non-treated fiber. Other treatments do not improve their thermal properties.