Short palm tree fibers - Thermoset matrices composites

The use of short palm tree lignocellulosic fibers as a reinforcing phase in polyester and epoxy matrices has been reported. The morphology and the mechanical properties of the resulting composites were characterized using scanning electron microscopy analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamical mechanical analysis and three-point bending tests. It was shown that the interfacial adhesion was better in the case of epoxy-based composites. In order to improve interfacial adhesion the esterification of the lignocellulosic filler in alkaline medium was performed using acetic and maleic anhydrides. Such type of chemical modification, which led to a change in the chemical composition of the filler, only succeeded to improve mechanical properties of the epoxy-based composites. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.