Mechanical properties of bio-based epoxy composites reinforced with hybrid-interlayer ramie and recycled carbon fibres

Chenkai Zhu, Saihua Li, Xiaoye Cong, Xiaoling Liu

Research output: Journal PublicationArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The growing environmental concerns have led to attention on bio-based composite materials, such as the natural fibres, recycled carbon fibres and bio-based resins. Herein, the bio-based epoxy composites were reinforced with ramie fibre (RF) and recycled carbon fibre (rCF) via inter-layer hybridisation. The dynamic mechanical analysis, tensile, flexural and impact properties characterisation were conducted to analyse the mechanical behaviour of the specimens. Also, the morphology of fractured surface after mechanical tests was studied under a scanning electron microscope. When the volume ratio between RF and rCF was varied from 100/0 to 0/100, the flexural and tensile strength of composites was significantly increased, while the impact strength was reduced. Thus the maximum values of flexural strength (182 MPa) and tensile strength (165 MPa) were observed for rCF reinforced composite, whilst impact strength of 24 kJ/m2 was found for RF reinforced composite. Furthermore, the values of storage and loss modulus were increased with the rCF incorporation due to a greater degree of restriction with the addition of rCF into the matrix. The hybridisation was able to combine the specific properties of RF and rCF and optimise the mechanical performance of composites. Therefore, the alternative low-cost green composites are prepared which can replace synthetic materials for semi-structural applications.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)118-133
Number of pages16
JournalOpen Journal of Composite Materials
Volume10
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 25 Aug 2020

Keywords

  • Recycled Carbon Fibres
  • Ramie Fibres
  • Bio-Based Epoxy
  • Hybrid Interlayer
  • Mechanical Properties

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Mechanical properties of bio-based epoxy composites reinforced with hybrid-interlayer ramie and recycled carbon fibres'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this