Mechanical behavior and water absorption in sisal/glass hybrid composites

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the effect of hybridization on thermomechanical properties and water absorption
of composite materials, by introducing sisal fiber tissue into the material. To that end, two composite material
plates were manufactured, the first with five layers of E-glass reinforcement mat and the second with three
layers of E-glass fiber interspersed with two layers of sisal fibers, both used as an orthophthalic polyester
resin matrix. The material was then submitted to tensile, three-point bending and water absorption tests. It
was observed that hybridization causes a change in both the final strength and stiffness of the material.
Keywords: Composite material, water absorption, mechanical properties, natural fibers.