This work represents a study to investigate the mechanical properties of longitudinal basalt/woven-glass-fiber-reinforced unsaturated polyester-resin hybrid composites. The hybridization of basalt and glass fiber enhanced the mechanical properties of hybrid composites. The unsaturated polyester resin (UP), basalt (B) and glass fibers (GF) were fabricated using the hand lay-up method in six formulations (UP, GF, B7.5/G22.5, B15/G15, B22.5/G7.5 and B) to produce the composites, respectively. This study showed that the addition of basalt to glass-fiber-reinforced unsaturated polyester resin increased its density, tensile and flexural properties. The tensile strength of the B22.5/G7.5 hybrid composites increased by 213.92 MPa compared to neat UP, which was 8.14 MPa. Scanning electron microscopy analysis was used to observe the fracture mode and fiber pullout of the hybrid composites.

Sugar palm fibers (SPF) are one of valuable natural fibers which are abundantly available in Malaysia as agricultural biomass. The aim of this study to investigate on the effects of alkali, silane, and combination between alkali (6%) and silane (2%) on physical and mechanical properties of SPF to improve interfacial bonding of SPF with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) matrices. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to observe the effectiveness of the alkali and saline treatments in the removal of impurities. Silane treated SPF exhibits better tensile strength than those of alkali, alkali-silane treated and untreated SPF. Droplet test indicates that the interfacial stress strength (IFSS) of alkali and silane treated SPF are enhanced whereas silane treated fibers exhibit highest IFSS. It is assumed that fiber treatments will help to develop high performance SPF reinforced polymer composites for industrial applications.