Macro mechanical and water absorption properties of composite laminates with novolac resin and e-glass/sisal fibers

Natural fiber- reinforced composites are currently being researched for their selection and use in the industries spanning aerospace, automotive, ground transportation, and several other high- performance-critical end products. Two of the key reasons in favor for the selection and use of natural fibers are, their biodegradability coupled with an overall ease of availability that makes the production of engineered composites not only cost effective but also economically viable. However, the selection and use of natural fibers/matrix is curtailed primarily because of three competing drawbacks, namely (i) high moisture absorption, (ii) inferior mechanical properties, and (iii) poor interfacial bonding strength between fiber and matrix, when compared one-on-one with the synthetic fibers/matrix. Due to these reasons, natural fibers are often used in combination with synthetic fibers for engineering composites, so as to achieve a material that offers the possibility of improved performance at the desired level. In this research study, composite laminates with novolac resin and sisal/coir/E-glass fiber reinforcement (60:40) were fabricated using the hand lay-up method. The fabricated composite laminates were characterized for macromechanical properties, namely, tensile strength and water absorption test was conducted to explore the moisture absorption characteristics of composite laminates. Test results revealed the composite laminates with natural fibers/resins to possess many attributes in favor of their selection and use in structural components.