Development and Characterization of Mikania, Kapok, Wool, Sugarcane, and
Pineapple Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composite
Abstract
This study utilizes plant-derived fibers including Mikania, wool, kapok,
sugarcane and pineapple as strengthening additions to fabricated and
tested reinforced polyester mixtures. This study aimed to examine the
mechanical qualities and potential applications of these natural
materials in boosting the effectiveness of polyester composites. The
composites were formed by including natural fibers into a polyester base
using a hands-on preparation method. The finished samples received a
complete assessment, covering tensile and impact testing as well as SEM
analysis. The findings showed that incorporating natural materials like
Mikania vines, wool, Kapok fuzz, sugarcane fibers, and pineapple leaves
had a notably positive effect on the mechanical features of the plastic
composites. The tensile strength of the material combined pineapple was
particularly high, achieving a maximum stress of 42.4822 N/mm
2 and a maximum stretch of 4.27950%. Similarly, that
same composite exhibited the greatest maximum stretch of 3.75753% and
the highest maximum stress of 77.4922 N/mm 2 during
the bending experiment. The substances exhibiting the strongest impact
endurance, as determined by the impact assessment, were the ones
including Kapok, Mikania, wool, pineapple, and sugarcane. The kapok
provided an impact toughness of 1.2 Newton meters, which was somewhat
elevated. This research offers a precious understanding of using natural
fibers as strengthening additives in polyester composites, demonstrating
their flexible perspective for many uses. The discoveries present
hopeful possibilities for additional examination and progression in the
area of composite materials, consequently advancing the development of
sustainable materials.