Fracture Toughness of Sisal/Banana Hybrid Composite Reinforced Polyester Composites

In the present research paper, the behavior of mechanical and fracture of sisal/banana fabrics reinforced polyester composites was investigated. Composites laminates are prepared by Hand Layup and Vacuum Bagging Method (VBM). The fibers strength was studied by the chemical treatment of NaOH solution. For mechanical properties, each laminate consists of five plies fabrics and resin which are mixed with thickness of 3 mm according to the different layering designation. For fracture properties, each laminate has 16 plies of resin and fabrics mixed with 10 mm thickness according to the different layering designation. The specimen preparation and test was done by according ASTM standards. Tensile test, flexural test (three-point bending) and fracture toughness tests on these laminates were carried out. It was absorbed that maximum tensile and maximum bending strength found in LD laminates, and maximum fracture toughness found in LG laminates. By scanning electron microscope (SEM), we studied the fracture surfaces which are formed due to the different failure mechanism.