Predicting the Elastic Modulus of Hybrid Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastics

Abstract

Hybrid fibre reinforced thermoplastics (containing more than one type of fibre) offer several design possibilities that do not exist with single fibre reinforced systems. Although there are extensive experimental data available in the literature on a variety of hybrid systems, a reliable and simple analytical model to predict the stiffness of these composites is not available. In this study, a modification of the hybrid rule of mixtures equation is developed to determine the stiffness properties of hybrid composites. Experimental data from single fibre reinforced thermoplastics forms the basis of the modification. Combinations of E-glass, hemp and hardwood flour were blended into high-density polyethylene in total fibre loadings of 10 to 60wt% to produce hybrid composites. The density and Young's modulus of the hybrid composites fell between the extreme values obtained for the single fibre composites. The modified rule of hybrid mixtures equation was found to adequately predict the tensile modulus of the hybrid composites.

Tensile properties prediction of natural fibre composites using rule of mixtures: A review

“…Facca et al. 65 went a step further in RoHM model application on hybrid short natural fibre/polymer composites by incorporating a parameter that accounts for fibre length, fibre orientation and fibre–matrix imperfect bonding into the RoHM model.…”

Experimental studies of mechanical behavior and damage mechanisms of recycled flax/Elium thermoplastic composite

“…Fiber reinforced thermoplastics, are increasingly used to replace metals in numbers of industrial, namely in sporting and transport applications. [1][2][3][4][5] This is mainly due to the materials' recyclability and the fact they can be easily reground and reused. Compared to conventional materials, they also present good stiffness, excellent chemical and impact resistance, and offer greater design flexibility at a relatively low price.…”