Comprehensive Characterization of Industrially Discarded Cymbopogon Flexuosus Stem Fiber Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Composites: Effect of Fiber Length and Weight Fraction

Industrial biowaste used as reinforcing materials for polymer composites has attained paramount importance. In this work, biowaste such as Cymbopogon flexuosus stem fiber (CFSF) was reinforced with unsaturated polyester. The results confirmed the enhancement of the mechanical properties with an increase of up to 30 wt.% fiber content and fiber length up to 40 mm. However, further addition declines the properties due to debonding of fiber with the matrix as identified by SEM analysis carried out in fractured specimens. It was also observed that the incorporation of CFSF decreased the rate of water absorption and increased the composite thermal stability.

Automated summary

The study demonstrates the use of Cymbopogon flexuosus stem fiber (CFSF) as a reinforcing material for unsaturated polyester composites, leading to enhanced mechanical properties. The optimal conditions were found to be a fiber content of up to 30 wt.% and fiber length of up to 40 mm, beyond which the properties declined. Incorporation of CFSF also improved water absorption rate and increased thermal stability of the composites.