Effect of Cloisite 15A on the Mechanical Properties of an Abaca-Based Composite

Abstract The combined effect of resin containing nanoclay along with natural fibers elevates the mechanical properties. In addition, the dispersion of nanoclay at the fiber-matrix interface would create strong physical interaction between the two. The significant enhancement in mechanical properties is achieved for the composite containing 30 wt.% abaca fiber content and 2 wt.% nanoclay, which is treated by 8 vol.% NaOH concentration. The enhancement in the mechanical properties can be attributed to the wettability of fiber by the matrix, homogeneous distribution of fibers and nanoclay in the matrix phase and physical interaction between reinforcement and matrix. Increase in the addition of abaca fiber and nanoclay beyond the above mentioned content leads to drop in the mechanical properties. This can be due to many nanoclay agglomerates are not broken down to nano scale during preparation, it may also be the reason for drop in the mechanical properties.