Free Vibration and Mechanical Characteristics of Palmyra Palm Leaf Stalk Fibers (PPLSFs) Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Composites

Abstract

The mechanical and free vibration behaviors of unsaturated polyester matrix composites reinforced with 10-, 50-, and 150-mm-long palmyra palm leaf stalk fibers were examined. The fibers were alkali-treated before being used as reinforcement, which improved fiber-matrix interfacial strength, while reducing their hydrophilic character. The hand layup process followed by compression molding technique were used to produce the composites. Experiments were conducted to determine the tensile, flexural, impact, and vibration characteristics following the required ASTM standards. The results demonstrated that the most effective adhesion with the matrix was achieved with 50-mm-long fibers. To identify the properties of free vibration, a fast Fourier transform analyzer was used. Longer fibers offered slightly higher natural frequencies in the composites. To understand the mechanism of fracture, specimens that had been subjected to tensile testing were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Developing engineering applications with effective vibration-damping capabilities for a sound absorption potential compared to other lignocellulosic fiber composites may be achieved using palmyra palm leaf stalk fibers-reinforced composites.