Characterization of interwoven roselle/sisal fiber reinforced epoxy composites

The present work deals with the characterization of interwoven roselle/sisal fiber fabric reinforced epoxy composites. All the composites are manufactured using the hand layup technique, and the physical (density), mechanical (tensile, flexural, and impact) and dynamic mechanical characteristics are determined as per ASTM standards. The findings reveal that roselle fabric composite has superior mechanical properties than interwoven roselle/sisal fabric composites. The tensile and impact strengths of the sisal fabric composite are lower than those of the roselle fabric composite. However, the roselle fabric composite and sisal fabric composite have similar flexural properties. The sisal fabric composite yields the highest peak value of the loss factor. The loss factor peak height for the roselle/sisal fabric composites increases with increased sisal fiber content. Morphological analysis revealed proof of yarn pullout and matrix damage near the yarn, indicating inadequate stress transfer between the fabric and epoxy. The property map is presented in comparison with available literature.

Automated summary

The research found that the roselle fabric composite has superior mechanical properties, while the sisal fabric composite has lower tensile and impact strengths. However, the sisal fabric and roselle fabric composites have similar flexural properties. The sisal fabric composite has the highest loss factor peak, with the peak height increasing with higher sisal fiber content in the roselle/sisal fabric composites.