Implementation and Characterization of a Laminate Hybrid Composite Based on Palm Tree and Glass Fibers

Abstract

In this work, laminated polyester thermoset composites based on palm tree fibers extracted from palms leaflets and glass mats fibers were manufactured to develop hybrid compositions with good mechanical properties; the mixture of fibers was elaborated to not exceed 25 vol.%. Samples were prepared with a resin transfer molding (RTM) method and mechanically characterized using tensile and flexural, hardness, and impact tests, and ultrasonic waves as a non-destructive technique. The water sorption of these composite materials was carried out in addition to solar irradiation aging for approximately 300 days to predict the applicability and the long-term performance of the manufactured composites. Results have shown that the use of glass fibers significantly increased all properties; however, an optimum combination of the mixture could be interesting and could be developed with less glass sheet and more natural fibers, which is the goal of this study. On the other hand, exposure to natural sunlight deteriorated the mechanical resistance of the neat resin after only 60 days, while the composites kept high mechanical resistance for 365 days of exposure.