Mechanical and Sustainable Performance of Polyester Composites with Glass and Natural Waste Fiber Fillers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31272/jeasd.3186Keywords:
Eco-friendly, Flexural strength, Hybrid, Mechanical properties, Natural FiberAbstract
This study investigates the development and mechanical performance of unsaturated polyester composites reinforced with natural fillers, ground walnut shells, tree leaves, and woven fiberglass. The objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of these eco-friendly, recyclable materials in enhancing structural properties and promoting sustainable waste management. Composite samples were fabricated using compression molding and hand lay-up techniques, with natural fillers at 10 wt.% and 20 wt.%, and reinforced with one or two layers of fiberglass mats. Mechanical testing, including tensile and flexural evaluations, followed ASTM standards. Results showed that incorporating one and two layers of woven fiberglass improved tensile strength by 44% and 81%, and flexural strength by 32.2% and 48.3%, respectively, compared to neat polyester. These improvements are attributed to acid-base surface interactions and the high surface energy of glass fibers, enhancing fiber–matrix adhesion. Among natural fillers, walnut shell powder outperformed tree leaves, particularly in hybrid composites. However, the addition of natural fillers to fiberglass-reinforced composites reduced strength due to weaker interfacial bonding and non-uniform dispersion. An optimal filler content of 20 wt.% was identified for balancing performance and processability. These findings highlight the importance of filler type, content, and fiber configuration in designing sustainable hybrid polyester composites.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Zaineb Wared Metteb , Zahra Khalid Hamdan , Nazik Abdulwahid Jebur , Hassan Shokrollahi, Fadhel Abbas Abdull , Ahmed Ali Farhan Ogaili (Author)
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