Compressive, Chemical Resistance, and Thermal Studies on Kapok/Sisal Fabrics Polyester Composites

The naturally occurring fabrics belonging to the species Ceiba pentandra and Agave Vera Cruz were used as reinforcements in the present study. The unsaturated polyester (UP) resin based kapok/sisal hybrid composites were developed by the hand lay-up technique at room temperature. The variations in mechanical properties such as compression strength and modulus, chemical resistance and thermal characteristics of these composites are evaluated as a function of fabric/fiber content and different volume ratios of fabrics. The addition of a relatively small amount of sisal fiber to kapok reinforced polyester matrix enhancing the compressive properties of the resulting hybrid composites. A significant improvement in compressive properties of these hybrid composites has been observed by the NaOH treatment. Among all the resultant hybrid composites those with fabrics ratio of 1:3 demonstrate improved compressive properties. The chemical resistance of these hybrid composites to different chemical reagents and water was studied.