Physico-mechanical and thermal properties of fly ash and benzoylated Himalayan Agave fiber reinforced polyester composite

Lignocellulose or natural fiber-reinforced polymer composite development and research have found new applications in different fields in the last few decades. The present study explores the influence of fly ash and benzoylated Himalayan Agave fibers on the physical (density, void fraction, water absorption), mechanical (tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength, wear resistance, hardness), and thermal properties of polyester composites. The content of fly ash (3–9 wt%) and benzoylated Himalayan Agave fibers (5–15 wt%) was varied in the polyester composite. The composite containing 15 wt% benzoylated Himalayan agave fibers and 9 wt% fly ash showed maximum tensile strength (32.11 MPa), flexural strength (56.48 MPa), izod impact strength (32.22 J/cm²), and hardness (44.90 H_v) with least water absorption (2.21%). The thermal stability of the composite containing higher amount of benzoylated Himalayan Agave fibers were higher. The dry abrasive wear of composites was studied at four different factors i.e. fiber loading (5–15 wt%), fly ash content (3–9 wt%), normal load (10–20 N), and speed (50–150 rpm) using Taguchi technique L₉ orthogonal array. The minimum abrasive specific wear rate of the composite was 0.2955 mm³/Nm at 15 wt% of fiber loading, 9 wt% of fly ash content. Analysis of variance was used to study the percentage of contribution of the various factors that influence the abrasive wear rate. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of deteriorated abrasive areas showed that the major wear mechanisms were fiber destruction, micro-ploughing, micro-cuts, and cracks. The present study reveals that the benzoylation and use of industrial waste (fly ash) enhanced the fiber surface and better adhesion between fiber and matrix.