Mechanical and Chemical Properties Evaluation of Sheep Wool Fiber–Reinforced Vinylester and Polyester Composites
K. N. Bharath, P. Madhu, T. G. Yashas Gowda, Akarsh Verma, Sanjay Mavinkere Rangappa, Suchart Siengchin
Abstract
ABSTRACT The present research study focuses on some mechanical and chemical characterizations of sheep wool fabric–reinforced thermosetting polymeric matrix composites. Mechanical tests, such as tensile and bending tests, along with chemical tests, such as water absorption test, swelling test, and chemical absorption test of sheep wool fabric reinforced with 50% vinylester and 50% polyester composites, were deliberated under different operating conditions. The results affirm that the tensile and bending strength of sheep wool fiber laminate of vinylester composition have high strength compared to that of polyester-composed laminates. The moisture absorption as well as the chemical absorption properties are found to be greater in the case of vinylester-based laminates, indicating the better mechanical interlocking behavior between sheep wool fabric and vinylester matrix.