Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Pineapple Leaf Fiber Polyester Composites

In the recent years, lignocellulosic fibers that originate from a renewable source have been found to provide good reinforcement in polymer matrices. Among the natural fibers, pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) exhibits excellent mechanical properties, besides possessing low density, high stiffness, and low cost. The dynamic mechanical properties, storage modulus (E'), and loss tangent of PALF-reinforced polyester (PER) composites were evaluated at three frequencies 0.1, 1, and 10 Hz and temperatures ranging from 30 to 200 degrees C. Addition of PALF of 30 mm length (aspect ratio 600) was found to increase the storage modulus leading to a maximum value at 40 wt%. The glass transition temperature (T-g) of the composite of 40 wt% showed a positive shift indicating high polymer/fiber interaction. A new relaxation is observed at 40 wt% showing the presence of a strong interphase at all aspect ratios. SEM photographs of fracture surfaces of composites confirm the results obtained from static and dynamic mechanical analysis. POLYM. COMPOS., 32:1741-1750, 2011. (C) 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers