Performance studies of polyester-based hybrid composites reinforced with palmyra-palm leaf stalk and glass fibers

The present work aimed to analyze the retrospective effects of stacking sequence on water uptake behavior and mechanical strength of PPLS/glass fiber polyester laminates. The composite laminates were fabricated with different stacking sequence and exposed to water by immersing it at a room temperature for a period of 20 days. For studying the mechanism of water transport in the laminate, the laminates were weighted in regular interval of 24 h. From the results, it is observed that irrespective of stacking sequence, the mechanism of water transport follows the law of Fickian’s diffusion. Again, reduction in mechanical properties due to water uptake was also noticed. However, a substantial recovery of properties was observed on complete removal of water particle by desiccation.