Effect of abaca reinforced polymer composite on dynamic mechanical analysis

Natural fiber–based composite is an emerging research area due to its significant advantages over synthetic fiber–based composite. The present research aims at analyzing the influence of abaca fiber reinforced polyester composite on the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Additionally, pH of zero point charge has been determined for pure matrix, untreated, and treated specimen. In abaca fiber-based composite system, the composition of fiber is varied from 10 to 40 wt%. To enhance the physical interaction between the fiber and the matrix, the abaca fibers of 4, 6, 8, and 10 vol% are subjected to NaOH treatment. It is surface treated using NaOH. The enhancement of the bonding between the matrix and treated abaca fiber has been ensured by FTIR test. The voids, matrix crack, and microspore presence in the abaca-based composite specimen during fracture test has been examined by scanning electron microscopic image. An increase of dynamic mechanical properties is observed in the following order: pure matrix, abaca fiber reinforced polymer composites, and chemically treated abaca fiber reinforced polyester composites. DMA of chemically treated abaca reinforced polyester composite has enhanced due to the removal of hemicelluloses and lignin from the surface of the fiber, which indeed creates micropores and rougher morphology on the fiber surface.