Impact and fatigue tolerant natural fibre reinforced thermoplastic composites by using non-dry fibres. (October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Javanshour, F.; Prapavesis, A.; Pournoori, N.; Soares, G.C.; Orell, O.; Pärnänen, T.; Kanerva, M.; Van Vuure, A.W.; Sarlin, E.
• Is Part Of: Composites. Volume 161(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-10
• Subjects: B. Adhesion -- B. Debonding -- B. Delamination -- A. Thermoplastic matrix; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Manufacturing processes -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Manufacturing processes; Periodicals; 620.11805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2022.107110
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-835X

Abstract

Abstract: This article introduces stiff and tough biocomposites with in-situ polymerisation of poly (methyl methacrylate) and ductile non-dry flax fibres. According to the results, composites processed with non-dry fibres (preconditioned at 50% RH) had comparable quasi-static in-plane shear strength but 42% higher elongation at failure and toughness than composites processed with oven-dried fibres. Interestingly, the perforation energy of flax–PMMA cross-ply composites subjected to low-velocity impact increased up to 100% with non-dry flax fibres. The in-situ impact damage progression on the rear surface of composites was evaluated based on strain and thermal field maps acquired by synchronised high-speed optical and thermal cameras. Impact-induced delamination lengths were investigated with tomography. Non-dry fibres also decreased the tension–tension fatigue life degradation rate of composites up to 21% and altered the brittle failure mode of flax–PMMA to ductile failure dominated by fibre pull-out.