Influence of fiber loading on mechanical characterization of pineapple leaf and kenaf fibers reinforced polyester composites

In this work tensile, flexural, impact and hardness properties of kenaf fiber and pineapple leaf (PALF) reinforced with polyester composites are described for the first time. The composite samples are fabricated for different fiber weights by injection moulding method. PALF which is fine in cellulose, moderately inexpensive, and bounteously accessible has the potential for polymer reinforcement. Kenaf fibers having better tensile and flexural strength compared with PALF. Due to that better mechanical attributes, in this composite kenaf as base material and PALF as filler. In this investigation, the mechanical attributes such as tensile, flexural, impact and hardness tests were performed as per ASTM standard. The mechanical test results revealed a regular trend of an increase in tensile, flexural, impact and hardness properties to adding natural fibers. Equal share of weight % of kenaf and PALF have enhanced the overall mechanical attributes such as ductile strength (246.8Mpa), bending strength (96.4Mpa), impact (32 J/m(2)) and hardness (86.3). This type of composite material can be useful for industries, automotive and construction fields. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.