Effect of chemical treatment on Sugarcane Bagasse reinforced unsaturated polyester resin composites

The purpose of this research is to study the physical, mechanical and morphology of sugarcane bagasse (SGB) reinforced unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) composites by utilizing different percentage of fibre contents and different chemical treatments on fibres. Sugarcane bagasse reinforced unsaturated polyester resin composites have been prepared using compression moulding technique. To enhance better adhesion between fibre and matrix, the SGB was chemically treated with alkaline (NaOH) solution and silane solution for 2 hours. Physical properties such as water absorption and thickness swelling were carried out by soaking samples in water for designated hours and density of the samples was also calculated. The characterization of mechanical properties such as tensile and flexural strength, and tensile and flexural modulus of SGB-UPR composites were studied and compared. The incorporation of the alkaline and silane treatment of SGB resulted in better tensile and flexural properties of composites than untreated or alkaline only treated SGB composites. 5 % of fibre which was treated with NaOH and silane treatment showed the best results for tensile and flexural properties. Surfaces of cracked composites were observed using SEM and treated SGB showed better interfacial adhesion with matrix rather than the untreated SGB. Chemical treatment plays an important in enhancing the interfacial adhesion of fibre and matrix in composites.