Micro-structural analysis and elastic properties of oil palm trunk fibre reinforced polyester composites

Abstract

This work addressed the study of development of micro-structure as related elastic properties in oil palm trunk fibre reinforced polyester composites. The results show that the Modulus of Elasticity value for the treated oil palm trunk fibre laminate was 67.43MPa at 70% fibre content, while the Modulus of Rigidity was 335.76MPa at 70% fibre content. The cross-sections of the specimens examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy indicated that the failure pattern of treated fibre composites was gradual, and related to the stiffness prominence. It was deduced that the knowledge of relationship between micro-structure and elastic properties could compliment the findings of effect of fibre loading, alkaline and silane treatment processes in the utilization of oil palm trunk fibre composite for any desired engineering application.