Title: Characterisation of hemp fibre reinforced Poly(Lactic Acid) composites

Authors: Moyeenuddin A. Sawpan, Kim L. Pickering, Alan Fernyhough

Addresses: Department of Engineering, University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton, New Zealand. ' Department of Engineering, University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton, New Zealand. ' Biomaterials Engineering, SCION, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua, New Zealand

Abstract: In this work, the mechanical properties including tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength and fracture toughness of the PLA/hemp composites were investigated over a range of fibre content (0-30 wt.%). It was observed that, the tensile strength and Young|s modulus of the composites increased with increased fibre content. The flexural strength did not increase with fibre reinforcement, however, the flexural modulus of the composites increased significantly. Impact strength of the composites increased up to 20 wt. % fibre loading, however, further increased fibre loading caused a reduction of impact strength. KIc and GIc values decreased with increased fibre content.

Keywords: fibre reinforced composites; fracture toughness; hemp fibres; natural fibres; mechanical strength; PLC; poly(lactic acid); tensile strength; flexural strength; impact strength.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2009.027834

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2009 Vol.36 No.1/2/3/4, pp.229 - 240

Published online: 12 Aug 2009 *

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