Sugar palm fiber/polyester nanocomposites: Influence of adding nanoclay fillers on thermal, dynamic mechanical, and physical properties

In this research, nanoclay used as filler in sugar palm‐reinforced composites was investigated by the physical, thermal, and dynamic mechanical properties. Various concentrations of nanoclay were used to fabricate composites by using hand lay‐up technique, followed by hot compression molding with naturally woven sugar palm fiber‐reinforced in polyester matrix. Among various weight concentrations such as 1–5% of nanoclay, it was found that 2% nanoclay‐filled composite (NC) demonstrated the best balance of thermomechanical properties and significantly enhanced the composite. DMA demonstrated that 2% nanoclay content resulted in improved viscoelastic behavior and higher glass transition temperature ( T g ) of the composites. TGA also showed improvement in properties, whereas 3% nanoclay‐filled composite showed superior onset temperature, and 5% nanoclay‐filled composite exhibited highest remaining residue. The nanoclay filler was very effective to fill the porous structure and maintain the thickness stability. The thickness swelling was reduced with increasing amount of nanoclay in composites. Overall, the addition of nano clay improved thermal and physical properties of sugar palm‐reinforced polyester composite. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 26:236–243, 2020.