Properties of Fibrous Composites with Polyester: A Comparative Analysis Between Sisal Fiber and Pet

Abstract

Fiber-reinforced composites represent 75% of the application of these materials in several industrial segments. It has the purpose of improving technical characteristics and reducing environmental impact through the use of sustainable raw materials such as natural fibers and other fibers from industrial waste. In this sense, the objective of this work was to study and compare the mechanical properties of polyester composites (PL) reinforced with natural sisal fiber and residues of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) synthetic fibers. Initially, we evaluated the moisture and morphology of the fibers. The composites with PL matrix were obtained and the fiber concentration varied by 1%, 3%, and 5% by weight. In the composites, the mechanical properties under flexion and impact resistance were evaluated. We concluded that the level of reinforcement with sisal fibers did not significantly affect the mechanical properties. However, the PET fiber provided significant improvements in the properties of the composite. Thus, the composites reinforced with PET fiber residue have advantages in the development of new material with sustainable characteristics.