Thermal Characterization and Fracture Toughness of Sisal Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite

Interest in natural fiber polymer composite has increased worldwide due to their low cost, low density and good thermal resistivity. Sisal fiber is used as reinforced in mat form and epoxy as matrix in this composite. In present work, thermogravimetric analysis and fracture behavior of composites were studied. The percentage mass loss and physical changes of composite was observed through furnace pyrolysis. The improved value of fracture toughness and energy release rate were found 6.63 MPa.m^1/2 and 21.13 k J/m² respectively of composite at 30 wt. % fibers loading. The result from the TGA shows that the addition of sisal fibres up to 30 wt. % into the polymer slightly improves the thermal stability of the composite.