Experimental Investigation of Sisal Fiber and Slag-Based Bio-Fiber Composites: Mechanical, Chemical, Acoustical, and Morphological Analysis
Authors:-E. Prakash, Lerindeoni S, Reny R
Abstract-The growing demand for sustainable materials has spurred significant interest in bio-fiber-reinforced composites. This study investigates the development and characterization of a novel composite material composed of sisal fiber and industrial slag as key constituents. The composite was fabricated using varying fiber weight fractions and thoroughly analyzed for its mechanical, chemical, acoustical, and morphological properties. Mechanical tests revealed that optimal fiber loading improved tensile and flexural strengths, highlighting the load-bearing capability of sisal fibers. Chemical analysis through FTIR and XRD confirmed successful interfacial bonding and the presence of pozzolanic reactions between slag and the binder. Acoustic tests demonstrated promising sound absorption properties, especially in mid-frequency ranges, making the material suitable for noise reduction applications. SEM micrographs illustrated uniform fiber dispersion and good matrix-fiber adhesion, while EDS validated the elemental composition. Overall, the sisal fiber and slag-based composite exhibited a balanced combination of mechanical strength, chemical stability, acoustic damping, and morphological integrity, suggesting its potential use in eco-friendly construction and automotive applications.
