The Effect of Alkali Treatment on the Mechanical Properties of Sisal Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites

This present work has investigated the effect of alkali treatment (concentration of 0%, 3%, 6% and 9% NaOH solution) on the mechanical properties of sisal fiber reinforced epoxy composites. This composite is prepared by using compression molding technique with 20wt% of sisal fibers. Sisal fiber is used as reinforced and epoxy as matrix in this composite. All test specimens were prepared as per ASTM standard. The mechanical properties such as tensile strength, flexural strength and impact strength of composites were studied and compared. The tensile strength and flexural strength of alkali treated fiber composites are improved compared to the untreated fiber composites. But, the impact strength of alkali treated fiber composites were decreased compared with the untreated fiber composites.