Abstract
Tamarind fiber reinforced unsaturated polyester (UP) composites were manufactured by hand lay-up technique. The incorporated chopped short fiber contents for composites were 5–35% (by weight). The Tamarind fiber studied were in three forms; untreated, treated with alkali (NaOH) and treated with alkali followed by silane (3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane). The influence of chemical treatment on the compressive (modulus and strength) properties of the composites was investigated. Compressive test results show that alkali treatment followed by silane treatment considerably improves the compressive properties of randomly oriented short fiber tamarind unsaturated polyester composites. The surface morphologies of the fractured surfaces of the composites were studied using scanning electron microscope to obtain information on the fiber–matrix interfacial adhesion in the composites.