Available online at www.sciencedirect.

com

ScienceDirect
Materials Today: Proceedings 4 (2017) 3466–3476 www.materialstoday.com/proceedings

5th International Conference of Materials Processing and Characterization (ICMPC 2016)

A Review on mechanical property of sisal glass fiber reinforced

polymer composites
Ashish kumrea, R S Ranab and Rajesh Purohitc
a
Research Scholar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, MANIT Bhopal, 462051, India
b
Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, MANIT Bhopal, 462051, India
c
Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, MANIT, Bhopal, (M.P.), India

Abstract

The construction industry is revolutionizing in two major ways. One way is the development of construction techniques,
such as using automated tools in construction. The other is the advancement in high-performance construction materials,
such as the introduction of high strength composite. Natural fiber replaces the synthetic fiber dueto its superior
properties for example high specific strength, small weight, and low cost, moderately good mechanical property, non-
abrasive recyclable and bio-degradable features. But the mechanical properties of natural fibre composites are less than
that of synthetic composite like glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP). In present study the natural fiber polymer
composites mix with the glass fiber, to enhance the mechanical property of composite.In this paper, a short review has
been carried out to make use of natural fibers (such as abaca, banana, bamboo, cotton, coir, hemp, jute, pineapple, sisal
etc) which is abundantly available in India. In this work Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymers are mixing with sisal with
various sisal fiber lengths (5, 10, and 15, 20 mm) toincrease Engineering and Technology applications. This paper
presents a review on the mechanical properties of sisal-glass fiber reinforced polymer composites.

©2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Selection and peer-review under responsibility of Conference Committee Members of 5th International Conference of
Materials Processing and Characterization (ICMPC 2016).
Keywordsglass fiber reinforced polymercomosite , natural fiber , fiber rainforce polymer composite

1. Introduction

A fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) is a composite material consisting of a polymer matrix imbedded with
high-strength fibers, such as natural fiber or synthetic fiber.A composite is a structural material that consists
of two or more material that is combined at a macroscopic level and is not soluble in each other. The

. * Corresponding author. Tel.: Phone :(Off) 0755-405-161

E mail: [email protected]

©2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Selection and peer-review under responsibility of Conference Committee Members of 5th International Conference of
Materials Processing and Characterization (ICMPC 2016).
 Ashish kumre et al. / Materials Today: Proceedings 4 (2017) 3466–3476 3467

material which is embedded is called reinforcementand another one in which it is embedded is called the
matrix. Generally, polymer can be classified into two classes, thermoplastics and thermosetting.
Thermoplastic materials currently dominate, as matrices for bio fibers, the most commonly used
thermoplastics for this purposeare polypropylene (PP), polyethylene, and poly vinyl chloride (PVC); while
phenol, epoxy and polyester resins are the most commonly used thermosetting matrices [1].The increasing
demand of high strength and earth friendly material day by day cause to developed the compositematerials
and their related design and manufacturing technologies. In order to obtain low cost, easily disposable,
Research and engineering interest has been shifting from huge materials to Natural fiber reinforced
polymeric materials

In the previous year, natural fibers as an alternative reinforcement in polymer composites have attracted the
attention of many researchers and scientists due to their advantages over conventional glass and carbon
fibers. These natural fibers include flax, hemp, jute, sisal, kenaf, coir, kapok, banana, henequen and many
others[2].

Most of the composites materialsare been suitable for aerospace, engineering and space shuttles. The roll of
natural fibers is improved remarkably due to the fact that the field of application is improved day by day
especially in automotive industries. Mixingof natural fiber with another natural fiber does not give superior
mechanical property as give by glass fiber [2].

In present day’s natural fibers such as sisal and jute fiber composite materials are replacing the glass and
carbon fibers due to their easy availability and cost. Natural fibers may play an important role in developing
biodegradable composites to resolve the current ecological and environmental problems. Natural fibers are
lighter and cheaper, buttheyhave low mechanical properties than glass fibers. The combined use of these two
fibers may solve this problem.

Most of the studies on natural fibers are concerned with single reinforcement. The adding together of natural
fiber to the glass fiber canmake the composite hybrid which is relatively cheaper and easy to use. Natural
fibers are selected asreinforcement because they can reduce the tool wear when processing, respiratory
irritation and serving as alternativesfor artificial fiber composites in the increasing global energy disaster and
ecological risks.

A fiber reinforced polymerhybrids composites are more than one reinforcing phase and a single matrix phase
or single reinforcing phase withmultiple matrix phases or multiple reinforcing and multiple matrix phases.
They have better flexibility as comparedto single fiber containing composites [3]. Hybrid composites are
includes multiple reinforcing such as natural aswell as synthetic fiber. The natural fibers involved coir, jute,
sisal, banana, bamboo, and abaca. The effects ofhybridization of coir-jute, sisal-jute and coir-sisal fiber with
polyester resins were analyzed. The result showshybridization play important role for improving mechanical
properties of composites [4]. Hybrid compositesmay replace or reduce utilization of synthetic fibers in
application of automotive, building industries, aircraft.Jute-coir hybrid composites find into railway coaches
for sleeper berth backing, for building interiors, doors andwindows besides in transportation sector as
backings for seat and backrest in buses

Many authors have reported the mechanical properties of natural fiber reinforced composites. But less effort
has been focused on Natural hybrid fiber reinforced polymers. So this paper provides overview of Natural
sisal-glass fiber reinforced polymers.
3468 Ashish kumre et al. / Materials Today: Proceedings 4 (2017) 3466–3476

2. Characterization of Natural-Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymers Composite

2.1 Natural fibers

Natural fibers are materials that belong to a class of hair like materials which are in the form of continuous
filaments. Natural fibers are classified into two types, as plant (vegetable) fibers and animal fibers. Plant
fibers namely cotton, flax, hemp, abaca, sisal, jute, kenaf, and coconut are widely used. They are preferred
mostly since they are eco-friendly, and also available inLess cost.Most of the Researchers are putting more
efforts to utilize the properties of these naturally occurring lignocelluloses fibers. Natural fibers offer a wide
range of advantages like low cost, abundant availability, biodegradability, non toxic nature etc. Natural
fibers offer a wide variety of fibers as different fibers comes from different parts of plants, fibers made of
minerals and animals. Natural fiber based polymer composite offer many advantages like low cost,
biodegradability etc, but there are some disadvantages like they do not offer high strength, stiffness. Also
causes poor bonding of reinforcement with the matrix. [1]. Synthetic fiber reinforced composite offers some
solution to the case of synthetic fiber there are two main drawbacks: high manufacturing cost and non
biodegradability.

From [5] show in fig. 1 The livelihood of thousands of families in developing and emerging economies is
dependent n the production of the Natural Fibers Abaca (Banana), Coir (Coconut), Jute, Kenaf and Sisal.

Fig.1 Different Forms of Fibre banana, coir, jute, kenaf and sisal

2.2 Chemical Composition of natural fibre

Some of the Natural fibers composition in terms of these three (Cellulose, Hemi Cellulose & Lignin)
contents is as
Given in Table 1:[6]
 Ashish kumre et al. / Materials Today: Proceedings 4 (2017) 3466–3476 3469

Table.1 Chemical Composition of Natural Fibre

% cotton jute flax hemp kenaf sisal

Cellulose 82.7 61-71 71-75 70.2-74.4 53-57 67-78

Hemicelluloses 5.7 13.6-20.6 18.6-20.6 17.9-22.4 15-19 10-14.2

Lignin - 12-13 2.2 3.7-5.7 5.9-9.3 8-11

2.3 Natural Fibre Properties

900
800
700
600
500 tensile strength(mpa)
400 young's moduius
300 density
200
100
0
banana bamboo coir cotton flax hemp

Fig. 2.Property of natural fibre

Physical & Mechanical Properties of Natural fibers mainly depend upon following criteria:
 Content of Cellulose (affects Tensile strength proportionately), Lignin (affects stiffness
proportionately), Hemicelluloses, Pectin, Waxes, & Water Content.
 Geometry of Elementary Cell.
 Angle of helix axis of fiber (affects tensile strength inversely).
 The green fibers are chemically treated with alkaline solutions like Noah at various concentration
levels.
The purpose of chemical treatment is to remove the moisture content of green fiber and to increase
its tensile strength. From [6] property of natural fiber show in fig 2 [1]

2.4 Glass/synthetic fiber

In the table 2 Synthetic fibbers are made from synthesized polymer or small molecules. The compound used
to make this fibre come from raw material such as petroleum based chemicals or petro chemicals. There are
many types of synthetic fibbers like polyester, nylon, acrylic, glass fibbers etc.In present time Glass fibbers
are commonly used fibre for various polymer composites. It offers various advantages like high strength,
chemical resistant, good insulation, and elasticity. There are various types of glass, table 2, fibbers like a
glass, S glass, E glass, D glass etc. Among these types E glass and S glass are commonly used due to their
High tensile strength. Commercially available Glass fibbers are in the form of woven cloth, chopped fibbers
and long continuous fibbers. Woven cloths are made of long fibre woven in perpendicular directions. In
chopped strands long fibbers are cut into small pieces and arranged in form of bundle [3].E-glass fibre is
mainly used where cost of development is restricted as in household products like glass fibre doors, window
3470 Ashish kumre et al. / Materials Today: Proceedings 4 (2017) 3466–3476

frames and sports products etc. when strength to the component is more important than the cost in that case
S glass fibbers are used. Components made of S glass fibbers are used in ship hull, tail wings of airplane,
vessels, vehicle components etc [4]

Table.2 Properties of Synthetic fibre

Fibre Specific gravity Tensile strength tensile modulustensile strain at relative cost
(MPa) (GPa) breaking load (%)
E-glass 2.6 3100 - 3800 75 - 78 4.5 - 4.9 Low – very
economical
s-glass 2.4 4600 – 4800 88 – 96 5.4 - 5.8 Medium
Aramid 1.4 3600 41 – 186 2.9-8.7 Medium – high
Carbon 1.78 4200 – 6100 230 – 300 1.8 - 2.0 Medium – high
Structural steel 7.8 450 - 650 2000.2 at yield high
(350 yield) 1.8 at ultimate 25 at failure

Tensile strength of glass fiber is show in fig 3 (a) are from [8] and image of glass fiber is show in fig 3 (b)
from [9].

Fig. 3(a) Glass fibre tensile strength; (b) glass fiber image

3. Material methods

To obtain the biodegradable polymer composite,sisal fibremix with glass fibre reinforces epoxy composite.
These for work theSisal fibre, glass fibre and epoxy are collected from local resources.

3.1materials

The sisal andepoxy AY-105 were used as reinforcement and matrix respectively. The hardener HY-951 was
used as curing agent. In this work the sisal fiber, glassfiber, epoxy and hardener were purchased from local
supplier. Epoxy has the viscosity and lap shear at 25 °C, 11345 maps and 12.63 MPa respectively. The
density of the neat epoxy was calculated 1.109 g/cm3 at room temperature.According to [10] the
 Ashish kumre et al. / Materials Today: Proceedings 4 (2017) 3466–3476 3471

mechanical, physical and chemical properties of sisal fibers aregiven in Table 3.Image of sisal plant and
fiber are show in fig 4. [11]

Table3.Mechanical, physical and chemical properties of sisal fiber

Property sisal fiber

Diameter (μm) 100-300

Density (g/cm3) 1.45
Cellulose 65-78
Hemicelluloses (%) 10-14
Pectin (%) 10
Lignin (%) 9.9
Wax (%) 2.0
Elongation at break (%) 4-9

Fig.4 (a) sisal plant; (b) sisal fiber

3.2. Preparation of composites

The composite material is fabricated by using hand layupmethod. GFRP layers are placed on top and bottom
on the specimen and intermediate layers are imbedded by natural fiber. Resin and hardener mixture (10:1) is
spilled for every layer. Initially the fiber is dried in sun light to remove the moisture. The mould surface is
cleaned and releasing agent (poly vinyl alcohol) is applied.Composite images of sisal glass fiber composite
are show in fig 5. [12]

Fig.5 (a)two sisal/glass fiber composite (b)two sisal/glass fiber composite

3.3 hand layup process

Hand lay-up molding is used for the production of parts of any dimensions such as technical parts with a
surface area of a few square feet, as well as swimming pools as large as 1600 square feet (approx. 150 m²).
But this method is generally limited to the manufacture of parts with relatively simple shapes that require
only one face to have a smooth appearance (the other face being rough from the molding operation). It is
3472 Ashish kumre et al. / Materials Today: Proceedings 4 (2017) 3466–3476

recommended for small and medium volumes requiring minimal investment in molds and equipment. Hand
layup process is show in fig 6. [13]

Fig.6 Hand layup technique of composite

4 .Mechanical testing

Tensile, flexural & impact test were carried out with the few separate specimens for each test and the
averagevalue was reported. And data are according to literature survey:

4.1. Tensile test

According to the literature survey [14] the specimenare prepared or testedlike,the fabricated hybrid
composite is cut using a saw cutter to get the dimension of the specimen for tensile testing as per ASTM:
D638 standards. th especimens are shown in figure 7.The test was carried out using a universal testing
machine at a room temperature with 40% relative humidity. The tensile stress is recorded with respect to
increase in strain. The specimen was placed in the grip of the tensile testing machine and the test is
performed by applying tension until it undergoes fracture. The corresponding load and strain obtained are
plotted on the graphs.

Fig.7 Specimens of tensile test for composite S20 (a) before tensile test (b) after tensile test
4.2. Flexural test

According to the literature survey [14] specimen are prepared or tested like this way,as shown in the figure 8
the flexural test is performed on the same tensile testing machine as per the ASTM: D790 standards. In this
test, the specimen to be tested is subjected to a load at its midway between the supports and until it fractures
 Ashish kumre et al. / Materials Today: Proceedings 4 (2017) 3466–3476 3473

and breaks. This test determines the behavior of the specimen when it is subjected to simple beam loading.
Flexural test determines the maximum stress induced in the outer most fiber.
The dimensions of the rectangularshapedflexural specimens were 80mm×20 mm×3.2 mm with span length
48 mm. Fig. 3 shows the specimensof flexural testfor S20 composite.These specimens were also tested on
the Tinius Olsen H 10 K-L (bi-axial testing machine, loadcapacity 10 KN) with 2 mm/min crosshead speed.
The flexural testing was done using a three point bending test.

Fig.8Specimens for flexural test of composite S20 (a) before flexural test (b) after flexural test

4.3 Impact test

According to the literature survey [14] specimen are prepared or tested like this way, as shown in the figure
9 Izod Impact test specimens were prepared as per standard ASTM D 256 of had dimensioned 65 mm×13
mm×3.2mmand 2.5 mm V-shape notch. Impact test of specimens were performed on the Tinius Olsen
Impact 104 machine and the results were reported.

Fig.9Specimens for impact test of composite S20 (a) before impact test (b) after impact test.

5. Results and Discussions

5.1. Tensile test

Tensilestrength and modulus of epoxy and short sisal reinforced composite with glass fiber graph is plotted
with corresponding data in fig.10. It was observed that there was no enhancementin tensile Strengthof epoxy
3474 Ashish kumre et al. / Materials Today: Proceedings 4 (2017) 3466–3476

by reinforcement of short sisalfiber but tensile modulus was increased.It may be due to insufficient force
transfer from epoxy to the fiber because of poor adhesion between fiber and matrix. These problem solution
and Tensile strength increase with incorporation of glass fiber with natural fiber epoxy composite as show in
Graph 3. According to literature survey tensile properties of the composite S10 were seen maximum as
compared tall thesisal composites. Tensile strength of S10 was found24.61%, 20.14% and 20.26% more than
S5, S15 and S20 respectively and tensile modulus of S10wasobserved35.85%, 4.22% and 62.05% more than
S5, S15 and S20 respectively.Bai et al. [15] were found that tensile strength of composite may be less than
the matrix strength this occurs dueto the moderate adhesion between the short sisal and epoxy matrix
interface which depend on the structure of sisalfiber. The tensile property of sisal epoxy composite are show
in fig 10 (a) [14].and the tensile property of glass, sisal fiber composite is show in fig 10 (b). [16]

50 140
120
40 100
80
30 tnsile young's
modulus 60 modulus
40
20 tensile tensile
20
strength 0 strength
10

0
0 5 10 15 20

Fig. 10 (a)tensile strength of sisal epoxy composite; (b) Tensile strength of glass sisal fiber epoxy composite

5.2. Flexural test

From previous literature [14] Flexural strength and modulus of epoxy and short sisal reinforced epoxy
composites and corresponding data are plotted is shown in figure 11. The result of flexural test shows the
positive effect of sisalfiber reinforcement into the epoxy matrix. The value of flexural strength was found
maximum of the composite S10 andflexural modulus for the composite S15. The flexural strength of S15
was found 25.05%, 41.29%, 22.91% and1.34% more than E, S5, S10 and S20 respectively while the flexural
modulus of S10 was observed 167.33%,10.62%, 16.68% and 10.86% more than E, S5, S15 and S20
respectively.
 Ashish kumre et al. / Materials Today: Proceedings 4 (2017) 3466–3476 3475

200

150

100 flexural modulus

flexual strength
50

0
0 5 10 15 20

Fig.11.Flexural strength of GFRP

5.3. Impact test

Impact properties of epoxy and short sisal epoxy composites; graph is plotted withcorresponding data
literature survey which is shown in Fig.12. Impact properties have enhanced by the reinforcement of sisal
intoepoxy matrix. It was observed that impact properties of S20 were found to maximum. Impact properties
of S20 were found 387.57%, 294.46%, 102.23% and 50.29% more than E, S5, S10 and S15 respectively.

35

30

25

20
impact strength(KJ/m2)
15 imact energy (J)
10

0
0 5 10 15 20

Fig. 12 Impact properties of epoxy and short sisal epoxy composites

6. Conclusions

Based on the study of the mechanical properties of different variation in fibrelength of sisal
epoxy composites, it has insufficient force transfer from epoxy to the fiber because of poor adhesion
between fiber and matrix. By taking glass fibre with sisal epoxy composite the following conclusions
can be drawn:
3476 Ashish kumre et al. / Materials Today: Proceedings 4 (2017) 3466–3476

 By incorporation of glass into the sisal fiber epoxy polymer composite, the mechanical properties
almost enhanced to greater extent.
 Also increase the moisture resisting capacity of sisal fiber.
 Tensile strength of epoxy was not improved by the reinforcing of sisal fiber while tensile modulus,
flexuralproperties and impact properties were found to be improved.
The mechanical and physical properties of natural fibers have varies from fiber to fiber. Natural fiber reinforced
Composites are used in many engineering applications, because of its superior properties such as specific
strength, low weight, low cost, fairly good mechanical properties, non-abrasive, eco-friendly and bio-degradable
characteristics. Incorporation of natural fibers with GFRP can improve the properties and used as an alternate
material for glass fiber reinforced polymer composites.
Sisal and glass fiber can be combined to producehybrid composites which take full advantage of the
bestproperties of the constituents. Almost all the mechanicalproperties show `positive' hybrid effect.

REFERENCES

[1] Sanjay M R, Arpitha G R, B Yogesha, Materials Today: Proceedings, 2, (2015) 2959 – 2967.
[2]N. Venkateshwaran a,A. ElayaPerumal a, A. Alavudeen b, M. Thiruchitrambalam, Materials and Design, 32, (2011) 4017–4021.
[3]Min Zhi Ronga, b,*, Ming Qiu Zhangb, Yuan Liub, Gui Cheng Yangb, Han Min Zeng, Composites Science and Technology 61
(2001) 1437 1447.
[4] Sutanu Samantaa*,M. Muralidharb,Thingujam Jackson singhc, S. Sarkard, NERIST, Arunachal Pradesh, India,2015
[5] International Natural Fiber Organization.
[6] Nitin Jauharia*, Raghvendra Mishrab, Harischchandra Thakurc, International Conference, , vole 2 2015 2868 – 2877.
[7]mat. Res . vol. 12 no 4 sao carlos 2009
[8] The Manufacturing Technology of Continuous Glass Fibers. New York: Elsevier Scientific. pp. 2–94.
[9] Hari Om Maurya, M.K. Gupta*, R.K. Srivastava, H. Singh, Materials Today: Proceedings 2 ( 2015 ) 1347 – 1355.
[10] Sisal : extracting the fiber wikipedia.org, naturalfibres2009.org,
[11] P. SIVASUBRAMANIAN, LECTURER, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, SAINTGITS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
[12] Image from net.composition.com
[13] Hari Om Maurya, M.K. Gupta*, R.K. Srivastava, H. Singh, Materials Today: Proceedings 2 ( 2015 ) 1347 – 1355.
[14] Bai SL, Li RKY, Wu LCM, Zeng HM, Mai YW, Journal of materials science letters 1998;17:1805-1807.
[15] Yan Li, Yiu-Wing Mai *, Lin Ye, Composites Science and Technology 60 (2000) 2037±2055.