Mechanical Properties of Polymer Composite Reinforced by Agricultural Wastes

Abstract

This study is concerned on prepare polymer composite from unsaturated polyester resin (UPE) reinforced with) 10%) weight fraction of broomcorn natural fibers (long and short) by using hand lay-up technique. The natural fibers treated with 0.5 normality of NaOH solution. Some mechanical properties such as (Impact strength, flexural strength and shore D hardness) have been studied. It was found that the impact strength increased when unsaturated polyester reinforced by treated long broomcorn fibers compared with short fiber and pure unsaturated polyester while, flexural strength and hardness values decreased of treated composite compared with pure unsaturated polyester.