Characterization of the density and mechanical properties of corn husk fiber reinforced polyester composites after exposure to ultraviolet light

Abstract

The best properties of corn husk fiber (CHF)/polyester composites are still being investigated and developed for the expansion of applications of CHF composites. The focus of this study was to evaluate the physical properties, tensile strength, and flexural properties of CHF/polyester composites after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. The addition of CHF 15, 20, 30, 40, and 50% (volume fraction) was used as fillers and polyester resin as the binder. The composites were made by hot press technique. Density, tensile strength, and bending tests were carried out to evaluate the developed composites, and the fracture morphology was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The results reveal that after exposure to UV light, the density, tensile strength, and flexural strength of the composite decreased compared to the composite before UV exposure; because UV has caused the interface bond between the resin-CHFs to be less strong. Increasing the number of fibers causes the number of individual fibers to smaller and shrink in the composite due to the evaporation of the water content in the composite.