Characterization and mechanical properties of sisal fabric reinforced polyvinyl alcohol green composites: Effect of composition and loading direction

Abstract

This research focuses on microstructure characterization and exploring mechanical properties of sisal fabric reinforced Polyvinyl Alcohol composites using conventional vacuum-assisted pressure compression method. Naturally available sisal fiber is used as reinforcement material in this composite because of its abundant availability in Southern India. The sisal fiber, PVA and its composites were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Initially, Polyvinyl Alcohol polymer was cross-linked with Glutaraldehyde, and mechanical properties were evaluated. It was observed that 20% Glutaraldehyde and 80% Polyvinyl Alcohol polymer combination yielded best mechanical properties. Further, two plain and one weft rib were considered and their textile properties were characterized. The results revealed that fabric crimp and yarn linear density had significant influence on tensile properties of the fabric. Influence of different fabric properties such as weaving pattern, grams per unit area, and loading direction on mechanical properties of composites were analyzed. The woven fabric having least gram per unit area of sisal resulted in best mechanical properties like tensile, bending, and impact. The weft rib fabric composites in weft direction exhibited best mechanical properties. 2019 IOP Publishing Ltd.