Fabrication and Tensile Testing of DHAK Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composites

In this Study, DHAK is identified as a potential fiber for reinforcement in making the composites. DHAK fiber reinforced polyester composites were manufactured up to a highest volume fraction of about 0.18 using hand layup method. The density of DHAK is found to be 1098.5 kg/m³. The tensile behavior of the composites was examined as a function of fiber content. It is found that the mean tensile strength and modulus of the composites increases with an increase in fiber content. It has been observed that the highest mean tensile strength of the composite is 114.97 MPa for the maximum volume fraction, which is about 2.356 times higher than that of the matrix. The maximum mean tensile modulus of the composite is calculated as 16.14 GPa for highest volume fraction, which is about 2.07 times higher than that of a matrix. It is found that a firm bond in existed between the DHAK fiber and matrix at the highest volume fraction 0.18. It is found from the results that using DHAK fiber placing in the matrix plays an important part in terms of maximum tensile strength and modulus of a new manufactured composite.