The compatibilising effect of maleic anhydride on swelling and mechanical properties of plant-fiber-reinforced novolac composites

In the present work, fibers of banana, hemp and sisal are used as fillers in novolac resin. These fibers have been esterified with maleic anhydride and the effect of maleic anhydride on the swelling and mechanical properties of plant fiber polymer composites has been assessed. Higher absorption of steam and water is observed in untreated fiber composites. The Young's modulus increases with increase in fiber content up to 45 and 50% in untreated and MA treated fiber composites, respectively. The impact strength and Shore-D hardness have been found to be higher in maleic-anhydride-treated tiber composites than the untreated-fiber composites. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.