Effect of the Addition of Oil Palm Mesocarp Fibers on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of a Polyester Matrix Composite

This work focuses on the assessment of oil palm mesocarp fibers as reinforcement in a composite material with an unsaturated polyester matrix. Several volume ratios OPMF (0 to 15%) were used, being distributed randomly. The resulting was characterized physical and mechanical aspects. Physically, true apparent densities determined well porosity rate. It appears that addition further lightens increases porosity. water absorption rate different composites samples evaluated. more contains, higher its On aspect, bending modulus elasticity, stress at break, breaking strain evaluated through three-point test all combinations. same parameters also for certain combinations by unidirectional tensile test. from this characterization fraction 5% has highest specific modulus. Impact tests performed combination using several sizes reinforcing fibers. resistance is enhanced size inclusion increases. Halpin-Tsai micromechanical model randomly short fiber used inverse approach determination theoretical moduli matrix OPMF, then direct determine elastic 7.5% reinforcement.