Loofah Fiber as Reinforcement Material for Composite
Marissa A. Paglicawan*, Ma. Susana Cabillon, Rosito P. Cerbito and
Elizabeth O. Santos
Industrial Technology Development Institute
Department of Science and Technology
General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City
Metro Manila, Philippines
corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ABSTRACT
In this preliminary study, the potential of loofah fiber as reinforcement material for polymer-bonded composites was investigated. Tensile and flexural properties of loofah fiber reinforced plastic were characterized and evaluated. The mechanical properties of the composite have been determined as a function of different method of loofah fiber preparation. The fiber-matrix interaction and fiber/matrix volume were also determined using a stereomicroscope. Results of mechanical properties, at least in this study showed that loofah fiber reinforced with unsaturated polyester are typical anisotropic material since the loofah is generally controlled by the network of fibers in multi-directions. The concentration of fibers in the loofah itself has a significant effect on the mechanical properties as shown from the results of transverse and longitudinal direction. The tensile and flexural modulus varied depending on the sample preparation of the composite and the direction of loading.
INTRODUCTION
Synthetic fiber reinforced composites have found applications in aircraft, marine products, sporting goods, and automotives. The incorporations of stiff fibers in soft matrices can lead tonew materials with outstanding mechanical properties (Termonia 1990). These composites are generally characterized and evaluated by means of various standard tensile, flexural, and fatigue tests performed on composite specimens (Mader & Freitag 1990; Yilmazer 1992). Owing to the high price of composites, the user industries also demand a lower price. . . .
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