Performance characteristics of unsaturated polyester reinforced with high frequency microwave treated natural fibre

Abstract: Using the most environmentally sustainable agro-waste fibers as reinforcement has opened up a new direction for polymer composite research. Research has recommended that altering of fibre surface by both chemical and physical means, increases the performance characteristic of natural fibre/polymer matrix. In this study, high-frequency microwave irradiation at a frequency of 2.45 GHZ and 550W power was used to treat natural fibre extracted from plantain (Musa paradisiacal) pseudo steam. Microwave modified and untreated plantain fibre was used to fabricate a biocomposite using polyester resin as polymer matrix, by means of hand lay-up and compression moulding technique. Results reveal an increase in mechanical strength of the modified fibre reinforced bio-composites at optimised conditions, thus creating opportunities and consistency to be use in technological and structural applications