Mathematical Model for the Assessment of the Effect of Fiber Content on the Mechanical Properties of Phenolic Composite Reinforced Date Palm Fiber

Abstract

AbstractThis work presents the preparation process of composite from date palm fibers and Phenolic as a matrix by compression molding. The composites are prepared with a different weight fraction of fiber from 40 to 60 wt%. The enhancement of the mechanical properties is related to the good interaction and adhesion between the filler and the matrix which is estimated by analyzing the mechanical properties of the produced composite using diverse mathematical models as Hirsch, Pukanszky, and Schrager. The results reveal that the fiber loading has a great influence on the improvement of Young's modulus and tensile strength of the Phenolic compared to the neat Phenolic. The results also show that the Hirsch model is valid for the evaluation of the elastic modulus of treated date palm fibers (TDPFs) Phenolic (PH) composites with R2 = 0.97. Regarding the evaluation of the tensile strength of Phenolic composites, it appears clear that the Pukanszky and Schrager models are adaptable for the UDPFs/PH composites. However, the Pukanszky model is not suitable for the TDPFs/PH composites.