Studies on Mechanical Properties of Sisal Fiber/Phenol Formaldehyde Resin In-Situ Composites

Phenol formaldehyde resin (PF) reinforced with short sisal fibers (SF) were obtained by two methods, direct-mixing and polymerization filling. Impact and bending properties of resulting composites were compared. Under the same compression molding conditions, polymerization filled composites showed better mechanical properties than those of direct-mixed composites. The influences of fiber modifications on the mechanical properties of SF/PF in-situ (polymerization filled) composites have been investigated. Treated-SF-reinforced composites have better mechanical properties than those of untreated-SF-reinforced composites. The effects of SF on water absorption tendencies of SF/PF composites have also been studied. In addition, sisal/glass (SF/GF) hybrid PF composites of alkali-treated SF were prepared. Scanning electron microscopic studies were carried out to study the fiber-matrix adhesion. POLYM. COMPOS., 30:131-137, 2009. (C) 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers