Sponge Gourd (Luffa Cylindrica) Reinforced Polyester Composites: Preparation and Properties

Valcineide O.A. Tanobe; Thais H.S. Flores-Sahagun; Sandro C. Amico; Graciela I.B. Muniz; K. G. Satyanarayana

doi:10.14429/dsj.64.7327

Valcineide O.A. Tanobe Federal University of Parana, Curitiba
Thais H.S. Flores-Sahagun Federal University of Parana, Curitiba
Sandro C. Amico Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre
Graciela I.B. Muniz Federal University of Parana, Curitiba
K. G. Satyanarayana Poornaprajna Institute of Scientific Research, Bangalore

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.64.7327

Keywords: Fibers, Polymer composites, Surface treatment, Mechanical properties, Scanning electron microscopy, Environment, Green technology

Abstract

Increasing environmental concern along with the drive to find substitutes for synthetic fibers and value added applications for low cost and renewable plant fibers have led to the development of composites based on biomaterials. One of the drawbacks encountered in such exercise is the lack of adhesion between the incorporated plant fibers and synthetic polymeric matrices. Such drawback can be reduced by appropriate treatment of fibers. This paper describes the chemical treatments used on sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica) fibers of Brazil to prepare their composites with polyester resin. Production of short fiber-polymer composite as well as mat-polyester composites is presented here. Characterization of the composites in respect of evaluation of density, water absorption, thermalstability, tensile properties and impact strength were made and the results are discussed. Observed impact strengthand tensile properties are discussed based on the fractographic studies of the composites.

Defence Science Journal, Vol. 64, No. 3, May 2014, pp. 273-280, DOI:http://dx.doi.org/ 10.14429/dsj.64.7327

Author Biographies

Valcineide O.A. Tanobe, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba

Department of Forest Engineering and Technology, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba

Thais H.S. Flores-Sahagun, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba

Mechanical Engineering Department, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba-PR-Brazil

Sandro C. Amico, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre

Materials Engineering Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre-RS-Brazil

Graciela I.B. Muniz, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba

Department of Forest Engineering and Technology, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba-PR-Brazil

K. G. Satyanarayana, Poornaprajna Institute of Scientific Research, Bangalore

Dr K.G. Satyanarayana obtained PhD from the Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, and retired as Director, RRL (CSIR),Trivandrum. He was responsible for the initiating the Materials Laboratory in RRL-T.He had visiting positions for 6 years as Professor and Scientist at the Federal University of Parana, Brazil as well asat EMBRAPA, Brazil. He started R&D Center at BMS College of Engg, B’lore and Acharya Gr. of Institutes, B’lore and headed the center for about 2 years. He has been an Hony. Professor at the Poornaprajna Institute for Sci. Res., B’lore. He has ~360 publications in international and national journals and proceedings, edited/contributedto 26 books/monographs and 18 patents and guided several students for PhD and Masters Degree; received several honors and awards including Fellow of Kerala Aca. of Sci., MRSI Medal-2001, Joint Winner of Binani Gold Medal of Indian Institute of Metals, WIPO International Gold Medal, NRDC Independence Day Award and JSPS Fellowship; ex-member of the Academic Council of CUSAT, Am. Soc. of Materials and Fellow of Institution of Engineers (FIE), Editorial board of Bull. Mat. Sci., India and Metal News; his aeras of interest include composites materials. In recent years his emphasis hasbeen on ‘Green composites’ biofuels and development of new materials based on agro-industrial waste.