Development and Investigation of Mechanical Properties of Date Palm Fibre Reinforced Polyester Composites

The present work is devoted to investigate mechanical properties viz. compressive and impact properties of date palm Fibre Reinforced Polyester (FRP). Date palm fibre is found around date fruits and at the bottom of each leaf, that is used as fuel in rural areas. Premier grade industrial Isophthalic polyester resin is used as the matrix. Date Palm Fibre is chemically treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) for better adhesion. Results reveal that with an addition of fibre content, the compressive load bearing capacity increases. However, impact strength is not significantly increased with fibre content. Low to medium impact composites can be developed by date palm FRP. This investigation is expected to assist making FRP commodity with reduced cost utilizing agricultural waste.