Mechanical Properties of Boehmeria nivea Natural Fabric Reinforced Epoxy Matrix Composite Prepared by Vacuum-Assisted Resin Infusion Molding

Abstract

Natural lignocellulosic fibers and corresponding fabrics have been gaining notoriety in recent decades as reinforcement options for polymer matrices associated with industrially applied composites. These natural fibers and fabrics exhibit competitive properties when compared with some synthetics such as glass fiber. In particular, the use of fabrics made from natural fibers might be considered a more efficient alternative, since they provide multidirectional reinforcement and allow the introduction of a larger volume fraction of fibers in the composite. In this context, it is important to understand the mechanical performance of natural fabric composites as a basic condition to ensure efficient engineering applications. Therefore, it is also important to recognize that ramie fiber exhibiting superior strength can be woven into fabric, but is the least investigated as reinforcement in strong, tough polymers to obtain tougher polymeric composites. Accordingly, this paper presents the preparation of epoxy composite containing 30 vol.% Boehmeria nivea fabric by vacuum-assisted resin infusion molding technique and mechanical behavior characterization of the prepared composite. Obtained results are explained based on the fractography studies of tested samples.

Impact Resistance of Epoxy Composites Reinforced with Amazon Guaruman Fiber: A Brief Report

“…Guaruman, mallow [ 29 ], jute [ 30 ], and ramie [ 5 ] exhibit the highest Izod impact resistance among all investigated NLFs reinforcing epoxy composites. The values observed for these four NLFs’ reinforcement are above 425 J/m; however, the ramie fiber [ 5 ] stands out, with the best energy absorption under Izod impact conditions.…”

“…Guaruman, mallow [ 29 ], jute [ 30 ], and ramie [ 5 ] exhibit the highest Izod impact resistance among all investigated NLFs reinforcing epoxy composites. The values observed for these four NLFs’ reinforcement are above 425 J/m; however, the ramie fiber [ 5 ] stands out, with the best energy absorption under Izod impact conditions. It is important to notice that when the specific impact resistance is considered—i.e., the impact resistance divided by the density of the composite—the superior behavior of guaruman/epoxy composites stands out.…”

“…Since the beginning of the 21st century, topics such as recyclability, renewability, and biodegradability have become mandatory, and strongly influence the processing and development of novel materials [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. In particular, a new trend for designing “greener materials” made of natural lignocellulosic fibers (NLFs) is revealing potential materials for the reinforcement of composites for engineering applications [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]. Indeed, several NLF-reinforced polymer matrix composites exhibit promising results in different industries, such as the automobile [ 9 , 10 ], aerospace [ 11 ], packing [ 12 ], and building [ 13 , 14 , 15 ] industries, as well as, more recently, even as impact-resistant materials for use against high-energy ammunition [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ].…”

Physical and Mechanical Characterization of Titica Vine (Heteropsis flexuosa) Incorporated Epoxy Matrix Composites

“…Another point that becomes more noticeable when analyzing Table 3 is the relatively high dispersion for 40 vol% samples, which is associated with heterogeneity of natural fibers [ 76 ]. This dispersion may imply a possible statistical similarity between the composites of both groups of fibers, without and with treatment.…”

Recent Development in the Processing, Properties, and Applications of Epoxy-Based Natural Fiber Polymer Biocomposites

“…It was then removed from the machine after it had cooled down to 10 min to obtain a date palm fiber/bamboo epoxy hybrid composite. The vacuum-assisted resin infusion molding technique [ 86 ] was employed in the fabrication of an epoxy composite containing 30 vol.% Boehmeria nivea fabric. Before composite preparation, Boehmeria nivea fabric was washed in deionized water for 20 min and dried in an oven at 80 °C for 24 h. A mechanical pump was used to vacuum the system at 760 mmHg.…”