Investigation of mechanical properties and thermal properties on sugarcane fiber composite material reinforced with polyethylene terephthalate matrix material for sustainable applications

Abstract

In this modern age composite materials are become the primary material for engineering production because composite materials have several specific properties such as high strength-to-weight ratio, low cost, ease of fabrication, tensile strength, compressive strength, Impact strength, high resistance to thermal which does not realize in pure material or non-composite material. Fabricating composite materials involves producing something useful from waste materials. The experimental investigation involves the fabrication of sugarcane fiber-reinforced PET composites through a controlled manufacturing process. Because of its vast application, every Mechanical Engineer should have the knowledge about the fabricate and test the composite material. In this research, two waste materials are used - bagasse and waste plastic to fabricate a composite. The main purpose of the composite material is for heat insulation that is applicable for industrial roofing. The main purpose of the composite material is for heat insulation that is applicable for industrial roofing applications and manufacturing for sustainable components. The mechanical results after compression and shear tests are 4.57 and 0.37 MPa respectively. The maximum thermal test after an exposed surface temperature test is 54 °C