Mechanical, Morphological, and Thermal Characterization of Compression-Molded Polymer Biocomposites

In the present communication, synthesis and characterization of short Saccaharum cilliare fiber reinforced resorcinol–formaldehyde (RF) polymer matrix-based composites through compression molding technique are reported. Experimental results reveal that when Saccaharum cilliare fibers are incorporated into the resorcinol–formaldehyde polymer matrix, mechanical properties such as tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, and wear resistance of the matrix increase up to 30% fiber loading and then decrease for higher fiber loading. Morphological and thermal studies of the matrix, Saccaharum cilliare fiber, and short fiber-reinforced polymer composites have also been carried out. The results obtained emphasize utilization of these fibers as potential reinforcing materials in bio-based polymer composites.