Effects of abaca fiber reinforcement on the dynamic mechanical behavior of vinyl ester composites

The present study aims in analyzing the mechanical behavior of natural fiber (abaca) reinforced polymeric composites under dynamic conditions. It is evident from the past research reports that natural fiber offers desirable physico-mechanical properties to the added polymers. In the present research work, abaca fiber is utilized for the preparation of composites due to its promising mechanical properties and resistance to salt water corrosion, its lignin content is 15 % and grows up to 3 m. Abaca is extracted from leaf sheath of Manila hemp plant, it is a kind of banana family. Influence of temperature on the mechanical behavior of natural fibers needs to be identified to ensure its usage for high performance applications. Pure and chemically treated abaca fiber based vinyl ester composites are subjected to dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The reason for the chemical treatment of abaca fiber is to enhance its interfacial bonding with base matrix. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis signifies the morphological changes in abaca fiber after chemical treatment. Storage modulus (E') and damping characteristics of abaca fiber reinforced vinyl ester composites are comparatively higher than in neat polymer. In addition, surface treatment of fiber demonstrates significant enhancement in storage modulus compound compared to pure and raw fiber reinforced polymer due to strong physical interaction between fiber and matrix.