Investigation of Mechanical Behavior of Water Hyacinth Fiber / Polyester with Aluminium Powder Composites

ABSTRACT The development of high performance composites from a cheap natural fiber, such as water hyacinth is particularly beneficial from an economic point of view. Remarkable, thermosetting resins such as polyester are used widely as a composite matrix due to polyester resins present a good dimensional stability, and good mechanical properties. For the 7 various weight ratio of composites from water hyacinth fiber, aluminium powder and polyester resin were prepared by using solution impregnation and hot curing methods. From this, sample 3 (30% Water hyacinth natural fiber and 70% polyester resin) and 5 (20% Water hyacinth NF, 5% aluminium powder and 75% polyester resin) are the best compositions. The applications of these materials require a sustainable approach to creating green products. Knowing that natural fibers are cheap and have a better stiffness per weight than glass, which results in lighter components, the grown interest in natural fibers is clear. Keywords: Water hyacinth fiber, polyester resin, natural fibers, solution impregnation hot curing, Aluminium powder.