Effect of Gamma Radiation on the Mechanical Properties of Natural Fabric Reinforced Polyester Composites
Two types of composites:(1) pineapple fabric reinforced polyester resin (Pineapple/PR) and (2) jute fabric reinforced polyester resin (Jute/PR) were prepared and the mechanical properties investigated for various gamma radiation doses ranging from 100-500 krad. Properties like tensile strength, Young’s modulus, elongation-at-break, bending strength, bending modulus and impact strength were increased significantly by 19%, 32%, 45%, 32%, 47% and 20%, respectively, at a dose of 300 krad for Pineapple/PR, and by 47%, 49%, 42%, 45%, 52% and 65%, respectively, at a dose of 200 krad for the Jute/PR composite in comparison to the non-irradiated composite. Gamma radiation improved the mechanical properties, but overdoses of radiation even caused a reduction in them.