Investigation on mechanical and morphological properties of areca-nylon fiber with RVE composites (recycled vinyl ester)

Due to its many applications, the synergistic blending of natural and synthetic fibers is very necessary. In this particular research project, nylon and areca fibers were combined with vinyl ester composites in a synergistic way. Chemical treatment of the fibers was carried out to improve their overall performance. In particular, NaOH treatment was used in this investigation. Composites were manufactured using fiber weights of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20%. The results showed that the addition of alkaline fibers improved the mechanical properties of the composites produced. This was due to good bonding of the fibers to the matrix, thanks to the effective removal of non-cellulosic material from the fiber surface during alkaline treatment. These mechanical properties were affected by the fiber weight fraction. Tensile strength was found to increase with reinforcement up to 10 wt%, reaching a peak of 19 MPa. Similarly, tensile strength increased to 42.3 MPa when the fiber content was 15 wt%. The decrease in these mechanical properties is potentially due to the increase in the number of fiber–fiber contacts. SEM analysis revealed a number of defects (fiber agglomeration, fiber loosening, and voids) that could also explain the drop in mechanical properties at high mass fractions. Interestingly, the mechanical properties of composites containing 10% fiber are close to those obtained for coir fiber/vinyl ester composites in the literature.