Effect of Silica Aerogel Additive on Mechanical Properties of the Sugar Palm Fiber-Reinforced Polyester Composites

Abstract EN

Silica aerogel (SA) was used as fillers in the sugar palm/polyester composite (SPF/PE).

Their influence on tensile, flexural, and impact properties of the composite was determined by varying the additive concentration from 1-5 wt% in the resin.

The findings from the study indicate that both the strength and modulus of SPF/PE improved significantly by adding SA.

Maximum tensile, flexural, and impact strength occurred at an optimum filler concentration of 2-3 wt%.

Similarly, the highest tensile and flexural modulus was achieved with 5 wt% and 2 wt%, respectively.

The microstructure of SA-infused composites revealed less fiber pullout/slippage compared to the composites without filler.