Development and Characterization of Functionally Graded Sisal/Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Composite Materials

Background:

• Structural applications demand materials balancing strength, durability, and sustainability.
• Conventional composites often face limitations in performance optimization and environmental impact.
• Developing advanced composites is crucial for sustainable engineering solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate functionally graded sisal/glass fiber-reinforced polymer composites.
• To assess the mechanical properties (tensile, compressive, flexural) and water absorption behavior.
• To compare the performance of these novel composites with conventional materials.

Main Methods:

• Sisal fibers were treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to enhance adhesion.
• Composites were fabricated using the hand lay-up method with varied sisal fiber content.
• Mechanical properties were tested experimentally, and results were validated using finite element analysis (FEA).

Main Results:

• Composites achieved high tensile strengths (up to 199.5 MPa) and flexural strength (326 MPa) at 20% sisal fiber content.
• FEA results closely aligned with experimental mechanical property data.
• Water absorption increased with higher sisal fiber content, showing a direct correlation.

Conclusions:

• Functionally graded sisal/glass fiber composites demonstrate enhanced mechanical properties compared to conventional counterparts.
• The graded structure provides design flexibility, optimizing material performance for structural applications.
• These composites represent a sustainable alternative, promoting efficient and environmentally friendly engineering.