Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Mechanical Property and Morphological Analysis of Polyester Composites Reinforced with Cyperus pangorei Fibers

  • Published:
Journal of Bionic Engineering Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In the present work, polyester composites reinforced with a newly identified Cyperus pangorei fiber (CPF) were developed by compression moulding technique. The effects of varying fiber content and fiber length on the mechanical properties of the Cyperus pangorei fiber reinforced polyester composites (CPFCs) such as tensile, flexural, and impact properties were studied. Mechanical strength of the CPFCs increased with fiber length up to 40 mm beyond which a reverse trend was observed. Based on the test results, it was concluded that the critical fiber length and the optimum fiber weight percentage were 40 mm and 40 wt% respectively. The maximum increase of 164% and 117% were found for the tensile and flexural strength of the composite with 40 mm fiber length and 40 wt% fiber content, respectively. On the other hand, a 64% increase in impact strength was noticed for the optimum case. The increasing contact surface between the fiber and the polyester matrix in optimum condition can restrict the probability of fiber pullout and in turn can make the composite carry more load. The chemical structure of CPF was also analyzed using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrum. The morphological analysis of fractured samples was performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to understand the interfacial bonding between CPFs and polyester matrix. The optimal composite can be a suitable alternative in the field of structural applications in construction and automobile industries.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Jawaid M, Abdul Khalil H P S. Cellulosic/synthetic fibre reinforced polymer hybrid composites: A review. Carbohydrate Polymers, 2011, 86, 1–18.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Sanjay M R, Arpitha G R, Yogesha B. Study on mechanical properties of natural–glass fibre reinforced polymer hybrid composites: A review. Materials Today: Proceedings, 2015, 2, 2959–2967.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Rajesh M, Pitchaimani J, Rajini N. Free vibration characteristics of banana/sisal natural fibers reinforced hybrid polymer composite beam. Procedia Engineering, 2016, 144, 1055–1059.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Elanchezhian C, VijayaRamnath B, Ramakrishnan G, Rajendrakumar M, Naveenkumar V, Saravanakumar M K. Review on mechanical properties of natural fiber composites. Materials Today: Proceedings, 2018, 5, 1785–1790.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Sanjay M R, Madhu P, Mohammad Jawaid, Senthamaraikannan P, Senthil S, Pradeep S. Characterization and properties of natural fiber polymer composites: A comprehensive review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 2018, 172, 566–581.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Rajesh M, Jeyaraj P. Mechanical properties of natural fiber braided yarn woven composite: Comparison with conventional yarn woven composite. Journal of Bionic Engineering, 2017, 14, 141–150.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Mayandi K, Rajini N, Pitchipoo P, Sreenivasan V S, WinowlinJappes J T, Alavudeen A. A comparative study on characterizations of Cissus quadrangularis and Phoenix reclinata natural fibres. Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, 2015, 34, 269–280.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Joshi S V, Drzal L, Mohanty A, Arora S. Are natural fiber composites environmentally superior to glass fiber reinforced composites? Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 2004, 35, 371–376.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Holmberg K, Andersson P, Erdemir A. Global energy consumption due to friction in passenger cars. Tribology International, 2012, 47, 221–234.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. John M J, Anandjiwala R D. Recent developments in chemical modification and characterization of natural fiber-reinforced composites. Polymer Composites, 2007, 29, 187–207.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Binoj J, Raj R E, Sreenivasan V, Thusnavis G R. Morphological, physical, mechanical, chemical and thermal characterization of sustainable Indian Areca fruit husk fibers (Areca Catechu L.) as potential alternate for hazardous synthetic fibers. Journal of Bionic Engineering, 2016, 13, 156–165.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Kommula V P, Obi Reddy K, Shukla M, Marwala T, Varada Rajulu A. Physico-chemical, tensile, and thermal characterization of Napier grass (native African) fiber strands. International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization, 2013, 18, 303–314.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Ibrahima I D, Jamirua T, Sadikub E R, Kupolatic W K, Agwunchab S C, Ekundayo G. Mechanical properties of sisal fibre-reinforced polymer composites: A review. Composite Interfaces, 2015, 23, 15–36.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Arthanarieswaran V P, Kumaravel A, Saravanakumar S S. Characterization of new natural cellulosic fiber from Acacia leucophloea bark. International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization, 2015, 20, 367–376.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Obireddy K, Uma Maheswari C, Ramakrishna Reddy K, Shukla M, Muzenda E, Varada Rajul A. Effect of chemicals treatment and fiber loading on mechanical properties of borassus (Toddy Palm) fiber/epoxy composites. International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization, 2015, https://doi.org/10.1080/1023666X.2015.1054084.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Jacoba M, Thomasa S, Varugheseb K T. Mechanical properties of sisal/oil palm hybrid fiber reinforced natural rubber composites. Composites Science and Technology, 2004, 64, 955–965.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Bodros E, Pillin I, Montrelay N, Baley C. Could biopolymers reinforced by randomly scattered flax fibre be used in structural applications?. Composites Science and Technology, 2007, 67, 462–470.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Lee S H, Wang S. Biodegradable polymers/bamboo fiber biocomposite with bio-based coupling agent. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 2006, 37, 80–91.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Ratna Prasad V P, Atluri K, Mohana Rao A, Gupta S. Experimental investigation of mechanical properties of golden cane fiber–reinforced polyester composites. International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization, 2013, 18, 30–39.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Ratna Prasad A V, Mohana Rao K, Gupta K S, Reddy B V. A study on flexural properties of wild cane grass fiber-reinforced polyester composites. Journal of Materials Science, 2011, 46, 2627–2634.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Monteiro S, Terrones L, Dalmatia J. Mechanical performance of coir fiber/polyester composites. Polymer Testing, 2008, 27, 591–595.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Jawaid M, Khalil H A, Hassan A, Dungani R, Hadiyane A. Effect of jute fibre loading on tensile and dynamic mechanical properties of oil palm epoxy composites. Composites Part B: Engineering, 2013, 45, 619–624.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Mayandi K, Rajini N, Pitchipoo P, Winowlin Jappes J T, Siva I. Mechanical performance of Cissus quadrangularis/polyester composite. Materials Today Communications, 2015, 4, 222–232.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Sathishkumar T P, Navaneethakrishnan P, Shankar S. Tensile and flexural properties of snake grass natural fiber reinforced isophthallic polyester composites. Composites Science and Technology, 2012, 72, 1183–1190.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. He H W, Gao F. Effect of fiber volume fraction on the flexural properties of unidirectional carbon fiber/epoxy composites. International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization, 2015, 20, 180–189.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Natarajan T, Kumaravel A, Palanivelu R. Extraction and characterization of natural cellulosic fiber from Passiflor foetida stem. International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization, 2016, 21, 478–485.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Balaji A N, Karthikeyan M K V, Vignesh V. Characterization of new natural cellulosic fiber from kusha grass. International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization, 2016, 21, 599–605.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Benazir J A F, Manimekalai V, Ravichandran P, Suganthi R, Dinesh D C. Properties of fiber/culm strand from mat sedge–Cyperus pangorei Rottb. BioResources, 2010, 5, 951–967.

    Google Scholar 

  29. Mayandi K, Rajini N, Pitchipoo P, WinowlinJappes J T, Varada Rajulu A. Extraction and characterization of new natural lingocellulosic fiber Cyperus pangorei. International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization, 2016, 21, 175–183.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Uma Maheswari C, Obi Reddy K, Muzenda E, Shukla M. Varada Rajulu A. Mechanical properties and chemical resistance of short tamarind fiber/unsaturated polyester composites: Influence of fiber modification and fiber content. International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization, 2013, 18, 520–533.

    Google Scholar 

  31. Dabade B M, Ramachandra Reddy G, Rajesham S, Udaya Kiran C. Effect of fiber length and fiber weight ratio on tensile properties of sun hemp and palmyra fiber reinforced polyester composites. Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, 2006, 25, 1733–1738.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Haameem M, Abdul Majid M S, Afendi M, Marzuki H F A, Ahmad Hilmi E, Fahmi I, Gibson A G. Mechanical properties of Napier grass fibre/polyester composites. Composites Structures, 2016, 136, 1–10.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Ayrilmis N, Jarusombuti S, Fueangvivat, V, Bauchongkol P, White R H. Coir fiber reinforced polypropylene composite panel for automotive interior applications. Fibers and Polymers, 2011, 12, 919–926.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Schirp A, Stender J. Properties of extruded wood-plastic composites based on refiner wood fibres (TMP fibres) and hemp fibres. European Journal of Wood and Wood Products, 2010, 68, 219–231.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Obi Reddy K, Shukla M, Uma Maheswari C, Varada Rajulu A. Evaluation of mechanical behavior of chemically modified Borassus fruit short fiber/unsaturated polyester composites. Journal of Composite Materials, 2012, 46, 2987–2998.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Subramonian S, Ali A, Amran M, Sivakumar L D, Salleh S, Rajaizam A. Effect of fiber loading on the mechanical properties of bagasse fiber-reinforced polypropylene composites. Advances in Mechanical Engineering, 2016, 8, 1–5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Thiruchitrambalam M, Shanmugam D. Influence of pre-treatments on the mechanical properties of palmyra palm leaf stalk fiber-polyester composites. Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, 2012, 31, 1400–1414.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Uma Maheswari C, Obi Reddy K, Muzenda E, Shukla M, Varada Rajulu A. A comparative study of modified and unmodified high-density polyethylene/borassus fiber composites. International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization, 2013, 18, 439–450.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Mohanty A K, Misra M, Drzal L T. Natural Fibers, Biopolymers, and Biocomposites, CRS Press, Boca Raton, USA, 2005.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  40. Klyosov A A. Wood-Plastic Composites, Wiley, Hoboken, New Jersey, USA, 2007.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  41. Rahman R Md, Hasan M, Huque M Md, Islam N Md. Physico-mechanical properties of jute fiber reinforced polypropylene composites. Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, 2009, 29, 445–455.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Alabbas R, Khalil W, Alharrir W. Synthesis and characterization of unsaturated polyester resin and studying their thermo properties. Chemistry and Materials Research, 2017, 9, 15–20.

    Google Scholar 

  43. Paauw M, Pizzi A. Completion of unsaturated polyester analysis by FTIR. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 1993, 48, 931–934.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgement

The authors wish to thank the Center for Composite Materials of International Research Center and Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kalasalingam University for their support to the preparation and testing of the composites. The work was funded by Young Scientist Start up Scheme YSS/2015/001353 project, Department of Science and Technology, India.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kalasalingam University, Anand Nagar, Krishnankoil Tamil Nadu, 626126, India

    Mayandi Kalimuthu, Rajini Nagarajan & Alavudeen Azeez Batcha

  2. Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering (TGGS), King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok, 10800, Thailand

    Suchart Siengchin

  3. Center for Composite Materials, International Research Center, Kalasalingam University, Anand Nagar, Krishnankoil, 626126, Tamil Nadu, India

    Varada Rajulu Anumakonda

  4. Department of Wood Mechanics and Technology, Faculty of Forestry, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Bahcekoy, Sariyer Istanbul, 34473, Turkey

    Nadir Ayrilmis

Authors
  1. Mayandi Kalimuthu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Rajini Nagarajan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Alavudeen Azeez Batcha
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Suchart Siengchin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Varada Rajulu Anumakonda
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Nadir Ayrilmis
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Rajini Nagarajan or Suchart Siengchin.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Kalimuthu, M., Nagarajan, R., Batcha, A.A. et al. Mechanical Property and Morphological Analysis of Polyester Composites Reinforced with Cyperus pangorei Fibers. J Bionic Eng 16, 164–174 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42235-019-0015-6

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42235-019-0015-6

Keywords

Search

Navigation