Tensile, Flexural and Compressive Properties of Sisal/Silk Hybrid Composites

The natural fiber composites of sisal/silk unsaturated polyester based hybrid composites with different fiber lengths were prepared. Sisal—silk fiber at a ratio of 1 : 1 has been incorporated with unsaturated polyester resin with different fiber lengths such as 1, 2, and 3 cm. The variation of mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural, and compressive strengths of these composites with different fiber lengths has been studied. In the present work a hand lay-up method was used for making the composites. Sisal fibers are treated with NaOH and the effect of alkali treatment on the tensile, flexural, and compressive properties of the sisal/silk hybrid composites has also been studied. Significant improvement in tensile, flexural, and compressive strengths of the sisal/silk hybrid composites has been observed by these treatments.