Processing Characterization of Sisal/Epoxy Prepregs

Quality control to obtain composite laminates is frequently applied synthetic fibers/epoxy prepregs. The gel time test, resin, volatiles and fiber content, drape measurement tack tests together with water absorption capacity are methods currently employed. However, for natural fibers prepregs there a gap in the literature, which makes their application difficult. Thus this work will investigate sisal fibers, have low cost, high biodegradability specific weight, following common manufacture composites from First, were prepared by hand lay-up, aligning epoxy, keeping 15% weight content of fiber. After quality characterization, 3 mm thickness was using press, tensile scanning electron microscopy (SEM) applied. As result, resin fraction values solid matrix showed little variation between different samples. absorbed quickly initial stage until reaching saturation level. NaOH-treated sisal/epoxy prepreg had tension 71.06 ± 8.28 kPa test strength 69.24 11.69 MPa. Finally, 15 wt%/epoxy resulted better performance than neat epoxy resin. There good adhesion matrix, as confirmed SEM mechanical tests.