Title: Hemp fabrics for natural fibres composites industrial applications

Authors: C. Scarponi, D. Maglione, G. Cosentino, F. Lenzi

Addresses: Dipartimento di Ingegneria Aerospaziale e Astronautica, Sapienza Universita di Roma, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Roma, Italia. ' Dipartimento di Ingegneria Aerospaziale e Astronautica, Sapienza Universita di Roma, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Roma, Italia. ' TEMA (Technological and Advanced Material Laboratories) of CIRA (Centro Italiano Ricerche Aerospaziali, Capua (CE), Italy. ' TEMA (Technological and Advanced Material Laboratories) of CIRA (Centro Italiano Ricerche Aerospaziali, Capua (CE), Italy

Abstract: Aim of the present study is to evaluate the mechanical properties of hemp woven fabrics from Italian textile industry, to be utilised as reinforcement both for polypropylene and for epoxy matrix. Chemical treatments have been performed to improve interface adhesion: de-waxing, NaOH solution plus silane as a coupling agent (3-aminopropyl-trimethoxy silane), and an original methodology, consisting on a combination of two agents (3-trimethoxysilyl-propyl-methacrylate silane and peroxide of Methylethilketone). Good mechanical properties were found using untreated hemp woven, and chemical treatments led to small improvements: the obstacle to great benefits is the fibres pre-treatment, performed by textile producer.

Keywords: hemp fabric; hemp fibres; interfacial adhesion; natural fibres; fibre reinforced composites; mechanical properties; Italy; textile industry; polypropylene; epoxy matrix; chemical treatment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2009.027836

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2009 Vol.36 No.1/2/3/4, pp.261 - 277

Published online: 12 Aug 2009 *

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