Dynamic Mechanical Behavior Analysis of Flax/Jute Fiber-Reinforced Composites under Salt-Fog Spray Environment

Abstract

Over the last decades, natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites (NFRPs) gained great attention in several engineering fields thanks to the reduction of the environmental impact and the end-of-life cost disposal. Unfortunately, the use of NFRPs is limited, mainly due to their weak resistance against humid environments. Since limited literature is available about the evolution of the dynamic mechanical response of NFRPs under aggressive environments, this paper aims to investigate the damping properties of flax, jute and flax/jute epoxy composites exposed to salt-fog up to 60 days. Furthermore, sodium bicarbonate fiber treatment was performed to improve the composites’ durability. The effectiveness of treatment was evidenced for full flax-reinforced composites, whereas no beneficial effect was found for jute composites. Moreover, treated hybrid laminates having outer laminae reinforced with flax showed better damping behavior than their hybrid counterparts during the whole aging campaign.

Mechanical and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of the Amino Silicone Oil Emulsion Modified Ramie Fiber Reinforced Composites

“…Therefore, it is an appealing challenge to make use of damping behavior of NFPCs in vehicle interior, sports equipment like skateboard, engine cover and so on. The damping behaviors of the NFPCs are even more intricate compared with the SFPCs [ 18 , 19 , 20 ]. Because natural fibers used as the reinforcements are different from conventional artificially synthesized fibers.…”

An Innovative Treatment Based on Sodium Citrate for Improving the Mechanical Performances of Flax Fiber Reinforced Composites

“…As widely known the storage modulus E’ in the glassy region can be associated with the material stiffness: i.e., it measures the capability of composites to store the applied energy [ 38 , 39 ]. It is worth noting that the storage modulus values at 30 °C increases as function of the concentration of the treating solution up to 10% ( Figure 7 ).…”

“…Vice versa, both components acquire mobility at temperature higher than Tg (i.e., rubbery region) and, as a consequence, a noticeable decrease of the storage modulus can be evidenced with increasing temperature. As widely known the storage modulus E' in the glassy region can be associated with the material stiffness: i.e., it measures the capability of composites to store the applied energy [38,39]. It is worth noting that the storage modulus values at 30 °C increases as function of the concentration of the treating solution up to 10% (Figure 7).…”

Damping behavior of plant fiber composites: A review

“…Besides, a silane agent is proved to decrease the water absorption, which is caused by reducing the chance of hydrogen bonding between free -OH groups in cellulose and water molecules [145]. V. Fiore et al also claim that NaHCO3 treatment show beneficial effect on damping properties of flax composites but not jute composites during exposition to salt-fog environments which is strictly related to the fiber's chemical composition [192].…”