The Effects of Stacking Sequence on the Mechanical and Water Absorption Properties of Areca-Pineapple Fiber-based Epoxy Composites

ABSTRACT

By hybridizing fibers, natural fibers are widely employed to substitute synthetic fibers in all feasible applications. The present study focuses on the development and characterization of hybrid Areca-Pineapple fiber epoxy composites with varied stacking sequences. Using the hand lay-up method, four types of stacking sequence-based epoxy composites were developed. ASTM standards were used to evaluate the mechanical and water absorption characteristics of the developed composites. Test results revealed that the ultimate tensile (53.433 MPa), flexural (60 MPa), compression (16.591 MPa), and Shore-D hardness (91) values were higher for three layers of pineapple fibers-based epoxy composites. At the same time, the three layers of areca fibers-based epoxy composites showed better impact (0.8 J) and water absorption properties (2.4%) due to the high amorphous contents of the fibers. Morphological studies carried out by a scanning-electron-microscope revealed stronger fiber-matrix bonding, resulting in higher mechanical test results.

摘要

通过杂交纤维, 天然纤维在所有可行的应用中被广泛用于替代合成纤维. 目前的研究重点是开发和表征具有不同堆叠顺序的槟榔-菠萝纤维-环氧复合材料. 采用手糊法, 制备了四种不同堆积顺序的环氧树脂基复合材料. ASTM标准用于评估所开发复合材料的机械和吸水特性. 试验结果表明, 三层菠萝纤维基环氧复合材料的极限拉伸 (53.433 MPa) 、弯曲 (60 MPa)、压缩 (16.591 MPa) 和肖尔-D硬度 (91) 值较高. 同时, 由于槟榔纤维的高非晶态含量, 三层槟榔纤维基环氧复合材料表现出更好的冲击性能 (0.8 J) 和吸水性能 (2.4%). 通过扫描电子显微镜进行的形态学研究显示, 纤维与基体的结合更强, 从而获得更高的力学测试结果.

KEYWORDS:

• Areca
• pineapple
• natural fiber
• water absorption
• epoxy composite

关键词:

• 槟榔
• 菠萝
• 天然纤维
• 吸水率
• 环氧复合材料

Acknowledgments

The authors, therefore, gratefully acknowledge DSR technical and financial support.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Deanship of Scientific Research (DSR), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah [D-152-130-1442].