Processing and properties of composites obtained from natural fibres and thermo...

• Author(s): Duro, A. C. ; Castro, B. F. ; Silva, J. F. ; Nunes, J. P.
• Date: 2013
• Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/1822/26566
• Origin: RepositóriUM - Universidade do Minho
• Subject(s): Natural fibres reinforced composites; Vacuum infusion; Sisal fibres; Fax fibres; Unsaturated polyesters; Epoxy resin; Mechanical behaviour
• Document Type: Conference Object
• Language: English

Description

In this work, different natural fibres were studied and characterized, using optical and SEM microscopy. Those fibres were used to reinforce polyester and epoxy matrices and produce composite plates by hand lay-up. A vacuum bag was then used to allow improving the fibre impregnation, establishing a controlled pressure atmosphere. All different obtained composite plates were submitted to mechanical testing, in order to determine relevant mechanical proprieties. The produced composites were, namely, submitted to flexure and tensile tests, in accordance to ISO 14125 and ISO 527, standards, respectively. It was also determined, for each type of composite, the GIIc property (critical energy release rate in mode II), in order to assess their impact behaviour.