Improvement of the Mechanical Properties of Plant Fiber-reinforced Composites through Hybridization

ABSTRACT

The most important reason why natural fibers are not sufficiently involved in applications is the large scattering of their properties. In addition, it is very difficult to find one kind of natural fiber which has perfect mechanical properties like synthetic fibers. Here, we aimed to find solutions by developing a hybrid composite according to the expectations in the field of application. With this method, desired mechanical properties can be designed, and the weak properties can be improved. To be able to examine this method, we used two different fibers which have different mechanical characteristics. The mechanical properties were measured with three-point bending and impact resistance tests. According to the results, the flexural strength of the jute-reinforced composites (JC) has been improved by 44–71% using luffa fiber hybridization method. On the other hand, it has been observed that the impact resistance of the same specimens of JC has been improved by 51–83%. These results revealed that it is possible to improve the mechanical properties of the composites with hybridization. In conclusion, our study shows that bio-composites can be designed according to the requirement of the application. Hence, the application areas of bio-composites can be widened with increased usage rates.

摘要

天然纤维在实际应用中没有得到充分的应用，最重要的原因是其特性存在较大的散射. 另外，很难找到一种像合成纤维那样具有完美力学性能的天然纤维. 在这里，我们的目标是根据应用领域的期望，通过开发一种混合复合材料来寻找解决方案. 利用该方法可以设计出所需的力学性能，改善薄弱性能. 为了能够检验这种方法，我们使用了两种具有不同机械特性的不同纤维. 采用三点弯曲和冲击试验测定了材料的力学性能. 结果表明，采用丝瓜纤维杂交法，黄麻纤维增强复合材料（JC）的弯曲强度提高了44～71%. 另一方面，观察到相同试样的黄麻增强复合材料的抗冲击性能提高了51-83%. 这些结果表明，杂化有可能改善复合材料的力学性能. 综上所述，我们的研究表明，生物复合材料可以根据应用的需要进行设计. 因此，生物复合材料的应用领域可以随着使用率的提高而扩大.

KEYWORDS:

• Luffa fiber
• jute fiber
• hybrid composite
• biocomposite
• natural fiber
• flexural strength

关键词:

• 丝瓜纤维
• 黄麻纤维
• 杂化复合材料
• 生物复合材料
• 天然纤维
• 抗弯强度

Nomenclature

F	=	The maximum load (N)
L	=	The distance between the span (mm)
b	=	The width of specimen (mm)
t	=	The thickness of specimen (mm)
E	=	The flexural modulus (MPa)
Δs	=	The difference in deflection between s’ and s’’
ΔF	=	The difference in the load F’’, and the load F’ at s’’, and s’, respectively

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the funding provided by Marmara University, Scientific Research Projects Committee (BAPKO) with grant number FEN-C-YLP-121218-0615.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Marmara Üniversitesi, Scientific Research Projects Committee (BAPKO) with grant number FEN-C-YLP-121218-0615.