Abstract
This work involves using Saccharum short fibers as reinforcement for unsaturated polyester before and after chemical treatment for fibers. The chemical treatment was done in NaOH solution with different concentrations include 0.125, 0.25, 0.375, 0.5 and 0.625 M at room temperature. The prepared composites were characterized by FTIR spectra to confirm the improvement of interaction between reinforcement and matrix through the reduction in hydrophilic groups. The investigation by FTIR showed the improving of the adhesion between reinforcement and polyester as matrix because of reduction of absorption the water. The impact toughness was tested for polymeric composites and the results indicated that the chemical treatment with NaOH led to increasing impact energy due to increasing bonding force between treated Saccharum fibers and matrix.
