Effect of Water Absorption Rates on Fracture Toughness of Sisal Textile Fiber Reinforced Composites

Abstract:

Using natural fibers that are inexpensive, lightweight and biodegradable, as the reinforcement for composites is difficult due to their poor interfacial properties between hydrophilic fiber and hydrophobic polymer matrices. It is necessary to evaluate fracture toughness of natural fiber reinforced composites according to water absorption rates to improve mechanical performance of those. In this study, compact tension fracture test was conducted to evaluate fracture toughness with the various specimens. The value of fracture toughness has the tendency to decrease as water absorption rate increases. And different surface treatment methods and different polymer matrices have influence on the value of fracture toughness.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volumes 297-300)
• Pages: 213-218
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.297-300.213
• Online since: November 2005
• Authors: Yang Bae Jeon, Do Won Seo, Jae Kyoo Lim
• Keywords: Fracture Toughness, Natural Fiber, Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites, Sisal Fiber, Water Absorption Rates

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