Effect of stacking sequence on tensile, flexural and thermomechanical properties of hybrid flax/glass and jute/glass thermoset composites

Abstract

This paper investigates tensile, flexural, and dynamic mechanical properties of natural and hybrid thermoset composite laminates made from flax/glass and jute/glass fibres. Hybrid laminates with various stacking sequences were manufactured by vacuum infusion method. Weight and cost of composites decreased using cheaper and lightweight natural fibres (flax and jute). Results showed that composite laminates made from natural fibres had higher specific strength values when the results were normalised to same glass fibre volume fraction, although they had lower tensile and flexural strength than that of glass composites without normalization. Composite elastic properties were predicted using classical lamination theory through rule of mixture and Halpin–Tsai models, and compared with experimental values. Changing the stacking sequence did not affect the tensile strength and modulus of composites significantly, whereas there were notable differences on flexural strength of composites when the outer layers contained glass fibres. Dynamic mechanical analyses showed similar results as flexural test, while natural fibre and some of hybrid composites had higher damping characteristics than glass-reinforced composites.

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

“…First of all, it is worth noting that two different tan δ peaks were evidenced for all samples (i.e., regardless the fiber treatment and aging exposition time). Several authors [38,53,54] stated that the first peak at lower temperatures is attributed to the glass transition temperature of the thermoset matrix, whereas the second one at higher temperatures is related to the micro-mechanical transition phenomena of the immobilized polymer layer between fiber and matrix, i.e., fiber-matrix interphase.…”

Jute Based Bio and Hybrid Composites and Their Applications

“…Moisture disrupts fiber/matrix adhesion with decrease in mechanical properties. Selver et al [166] studied the effect of stacking arrangement on different mechanical properties of a jute/flax/glass fiber thermoset composite. The addition of natural fibers reduced overall density for both jute/glass and flax/glass fiber composites.…”

Effect of Jute Fiber Modification on Mechanical Properties of Jute Fiber Composite

“…In addition, jute fibers are eco-friendly. Nowadays, jute fiber-reinforced polymer composites have become an important area of research [9,10,11,12,13,14]. Typically, jute fiber is used for basic and low-end textile products.…”

“…If the properties of jute could be modified in favor of high value and technical textiles, not only the cost but also the environment would benefit a great deal. Jute is composed of cellulose (45–71.5%), hemicelluloses (13.6–21%), and lignin (12–26%) [13,14]. Lignin, due to the many aromatic rings inside of it, is responsible for mechanical support [13].…”

“…Jute is composed of cellulose (45–71.5%), hemicelluloses (13.6–21%), and lignin (12–26%) [13,14]. Lignin, due to the many aromatic rings inside of it, is responsible for mechanical support [13]. Any material besides cellulose that hampers the smoothness, pliability, and fineness of jute is denoted as gum [14].…”