A characterisation of the properties of environmentally-friendly composite materials

In the last decade, natural-fibre composites based on thermoplastics and thermosets have been embraced by car producers for use in the manufacture of door panels, seat backs and dashboards. Natural fibres have benefited from the perception that they are "green" or eco-friendly. What is proving more important is their ability to provide stiffness enhancement and sound damping at lower cost and density than glass fibres and mineral fillers. At the same time, interest has been growing rapidly in the potential offered by self-reinforced composites, such as polypropylene fibre reinforced polypropylene and polyethylene fibre reinforced polyethylene. Each of these composite systems offers its own advantages and a number of disadvantages. One way to reduce or remove many of these deficiencies would be to combine these two systems to develop a novel hybrid system that is fully recyclable. Hoo Tien N Kuan ABSTRACT Abstract The work outlined in this research project aims to develop, manufacture and fully characterise the properties of environmentally-friendly composites based on natural fibre and polymer fibre reinforcements, and their fibre metal laminates. The composites are based on natural fibres (e.g. hemp, basalt or flax) and polymer fibres (polypropylene). The composites are manufactured via a compression moulding procedure and their properties are investigated both statically and dynamically through a series of tension, flexure and low velocity impact tests. The fracture region of the laminates is also investigated using optical microscopy techniques. The mechanical response of the laminates is modelled using laminate theory and the impact response is predicted using simple impact models. A range of green composites and hybrid materials has been developed and investigated. The experimental data have shown that the composites based on basalt fibres offer an excellent all-round mechanical performance exceeding those associated with other natural fibre composites. Combining natural fibre composites with SRPP (Self- Reinforced Polypropylene) and aluminium alloy can enhance the mechanical behaviour of the composite. These environmentally-friendly composite systems offer significant potential in engineering design and could potentially help to reduce waste and pollution.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo