Polymers and Polymer Composites

EFFECT OF A TWO STEP FIBER TREATMENT ON THE FLEXURAL MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF SISAL-POLYESTER COMPOSITES

January 1, 2003 By: Calado V; Barreto D W; d'Almeida J R M Research article

Title: EFFECT OF A TWO STEP FIBER TREATMENT ON THE FLEXURAL MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF SISAL-POLYESTER COMPOSITES
Page Range: p.31-36
Author(s): Calado V; Barreto D W; d’Almeida J R M
File size: 72K
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Journal: Polymers and Polymer Composites
Issue Year: ppc
Volume: 11
Issue No: No. 1

Abstract
Sisal fibres were chemically treated with a two-step treatment involving immersion in a sodium sulphide aqueous solution, followed by an acetic anhydride/acetic acid mixture, in order to promote better adhesion to a polyester resin matrix. The flexural properties of the composites was analysed as a function of the time of immersion in distilled water. The results show that the chemical treatment improved the fibre/matrix interaction as revealed by the brittle behaviour of the composites reinforced with the treated fibres, and also improved the composite behaviour in relation to moisture. The long term behaviour of the composites exposed to water was however, not improved, which could be due, it is proposed, to the controlling role of plasticisation of both the fibres and the resin matrix for the longer times of immersion. 29 refs.


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