The Effect of Fumigation and Alkalization on Dimensional Changes of Cantula Fiber Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Composites Under Immersion

Abstract

This study aims to investigate effect of fumigation and alkaline treatment on dimensional change in cantula fibers reinforced UPRs composite under immersion test in aqueous environment. Composites were fabricated using compression moulding method with cantula fiber content of 30% vt with the addition of 5% microcrystalline cellulose. Composite specimens were immersed under aquades for 2 months at room temperature. The dimensional changes of cantula fiber reinforced UPRs in different solutions were found to follow a Fickian behavior. Fumigation treated fibers and alkali treated fiber composites after immersion has lower results both in dimensional changes and its slope than untreated fiber composites.