The Properties of Woven Betel Palm (Areca catechu) Reinforced Polyester Composites

ABSTRACT: Fibers obtained from the fronds of betel or betel nut (Areca catechu) palm (or known in Malaysia as pinang tree) were used as woven reinforcement in unsaturated polyester resin. The morphology, physical and mechanical properties of the natural fibers and resulting woven composites were evaluated. Woven betel palm composites were prepared in both untreated and treated forms with different fiber volumes: 3%, 5%, 7%, and 9%. The flexural properties and impact strength of woven betel palm composites improve with the addition of fiber up to 7 vol%. The drop in flexural properties was observed in 9 vol % of fiber due to insufficient resin to wet the fibers during the fabrication of composites. As expected, the treated betel palm fibers display better mechanical properties than those of the untreated system. From the SEM observation, it is found that the alkaline treatment of fibers effectively cleans the fiber surface and increases the fiber surface roughness. In general, mechanical properties of the woven composites made from alkali treated fibers were superior to the untreated fibers. KEY WORDS: unsaturated polyester, woven, natural fiber, composites