Effect of surface microfibrillation of sisal fibre on the mechanical properties of sisal/aramid fibre hybrid composites

Surface microfibrillation of cellulose fibre was adopted as a facile method for improving cellulose fibre/phenolic resin interfacial adhesion in hybrid composites composed of sisal fibre and aramid fibre. Development of microfibrils and aggregates on the fibre surface significantly increased the interfacial adhesion between the sisal fibre and resin by providing a large contact area and by inhibiting the formation of spontaneous cracks in the composites. Consequently, the compression, tensile and internal bonding strengths, and wear resistance of the hybrid composites were remarkably improved. Surface microfibrillation of sisal fibre to a DM value of 24 °SR increased the tensile strength, internal bonding strength and wear resistance values of composites by 93%, 124% and 31%, respectively.