Mechanical performances of unsatured polyester composite reinforced by OleaEuropea var. Sylvestris fibers: Characterization, modeling and optimization of fiber textural properties

Abstract

A mechanical performance of synthesizedunsatured polyester (UP) composite reinforced by OleaEuropea var. Sylvestris fibers was studied by applying the complete 23 factorial plan of experience. The variables orientation angle (V1), length (V2) and ratio (V3) of these fibers have been investigated. The experimental design was used to evaluate these factors on the Young’s modulus and the maximum stress. The textural properties of the fibers were highlighted by XRD, SEM, EDS and FTIR. According to the experimental designresults, the V1 and V2 factors are the most influential and the V1V2/V2V1 and V1V3/V3V1 interactions are the most significant. The significance Student’s tests of all effects were found non negligible and significant and the validation of the proposed linear models was verified by using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The study of the fracture facies of specimens of various experimental configurations by SEM showed the direct dependence of factors V1, V2 and V3 and their interactions on the improvement of the mechanical properties. Five deterioration zones were detected and identified as matrix cracking, longitudinal intra fiber cracking, fiber-matrix decohesion, fiber-matrix loosening and strong fiber-matrix cohesion.