Indian date leaf FRP composites: Mechanical and dielectric properties

Abstract

Natural fibers and their composites play a vital role in the fabrication of various components in automobile and structural components because of their superior specific performance. In order to satisfy day-to-day requirements in various sectors, new eco-friendly materials are introduced which are reinforced with renewable, cheap, and easily available natural fibers. A new leaf fiber, i.e., Indian date leaf (IDL), is introduced in this work and extracted by pure splitting method (PSM). Initially, the fiber is characterized for its density and tensile behavior. Surface morphology of the fiber is also examined by using JEOL JSM scanning electron microscope (SEM). Using IDL and IDL CT fibers as reinforcement in the polyester matrix, the composites are fabricated by wet lay-up technique. The fabricated composite specimens are tested to determine mechanical and dielectric properties as per ASTM procedures. Chemically treated IDL fiber exhibited 25.69 %, 4.6 % more tensile strength and modulus than untreated ones, and the stress vs. strain curves are drawn for all tested specimens. The specific tensile strength of chemically treated IDL FRP composites is 1.38 times higher than untreated IDL FRP composites whereas specific tensile modulus of IDL FRP composites is 1.04 times higher than treated IDL FRP composites at maximum fiber volume fraction. Chemically treated IDL FRP composites exhibited flexural strength, modulus of 63.47 MPa, 5 GPa under flexural loading, which is higher than untreated FRP composites. IDL FRP composites' impact strength is 18.94 kJ/m2 at maximum fiber volume fraction. The dielectric strength is clearly decreasing with increase in fiber content, which gives an opportunity for a designer in selecting suitable lightweight material with reasonable insulation. A clear rougher surface at all portions on the surface of chemically treated IDL fibers is visualized from SEM image.