Hybridization can alter both mechanical performance and cost of polymer composites, and novel composite materials can be obtained by the combination of both fibrous and mineral reinforcements. In the present work the mechanical performance of unsaturated polyester/hybrid sisal-glass fabrics was determined as a function of fibre content and test direction. Three different hybrid fabrics (30, 40 and 50% w/w glass content) with sisal strings in the warp and glass roving in the weft were hand weaved. Aligned fabric compression moulded composites were obtained at room temperature. The results showed enhanced properties with fibre content for all composites under investigation. Composites reinforced by fabrics with low glass fibre content exhibited lower properties when tested along the glass fibre direction than when tested along the sisal fibre direction and, at high glass fibre content the opposite trend was observed. These behaviours were associated with the low glass fibre content along the test direction and to the high sisal fibre diameter. At low glass fibre content the sisal fibres would act as inclusions or defects, thereby lowering the mechanical performance of the composite; at high glass fibre contents the superior mechanical properties of the glass would surpass the defects caused by sisal fibres.
Hybrid fabrics; composite; vegetable fibre; polyester; mechanical properties
