The Effect of Geometry on the Flexural Properties of Cellular Structures Reinforced with Natural Fibres: Statistical Approach

ABSTRACT

New concepts of honeycomb structures were developed. These new cellular structures, known as honeycomb (HN), reentrant honeycomb (RE-HN) and silicomb (Silico) are made from new solid polymer matrix reinforced with natural fibers resulting in biocomposites that are innovative and sustainable for a variety of engineering applications. In order to elaborate these biocomposites structures, PLA (Polylactic Acid) molds were made using a 3D printer. Then, the flexural behavior of honeycomb, reentrant and silicomb structures reinforced by various natural fibers like flax, jute and sisal using various fibers volume fractions of 10, 20 and 30% was investigated. Taguchi plan (L₉) experiments were conducted to determine how each factor affects bending stress, displacement and flexural modulus. Bending stress values varied from 24.66 to 36.53 MPa while flexural modulus values from 3.58 to 17.17 GPa. Moreover, it was found that fiber volume fraction had significant influence on flexural properties and on fracture resistance.

The silicomb structure has a higher load capacity than the honeycomb and reentrant structures. In fact, this type of biocomposite structure with low density and good mechanical properties are intended for many packaging and furnishing applications with a lower impact on the environment.

摘要

提出了蜂窝结构的新概念. 这些新的蜂窝结构称为蜂窝 (HN)、重入式蜂窝 (re-HN) 和silicomb (Silico), 由新型固体聚合物基体制成, 并用天然纤维增强, 从而形成创新的生物复合材料, 可用于各种工程应用. 为了阐明这些生物复合材料的结构, 使用3D打印机制作了PLA (聚乳酸) 模具. 然后, 研究了不同纤维体积分数为10%、20%和30%的亚麻、黄麻和剑麻等天然纤维增强蜂窝、重入式和硅橡胶结构的弯曲性能.

田口计划 (L9) 试验旨在确定每个因素如何影响弯曲应力、位移和弯曲模量。弯曲应力值在24.66至36.53 MPa之间变化, 而弯曲模量值在3.58至17.17 GPa之间变化. 此外, 还发现纤维体积分数对弯曲性能和断裂抗力有显著影响. silicomb结构比蜂窝结构和凹入式结构具有更高的承载能力. 事实上, 这种具有低密度和良好机械性能的生物复合材料结构适用于许多对环境影响较小的包装和家具应用.

KEYWORDS:

• Biocomposites
• honeycomb structures
• mechanical properties
• 3D printer
• PLA

关键词:

• 生物复合材料
• 蜂窝结构
• 力学性能
• 3D打印机
• 解放军