Fracture and resistance-curve behavior in hybrid natural fiber and polypropylene fiber reinforced composites

Author(s)

Tan, T. ^{[1, 2]} ; Santos, S. F. ^[3] ; Savastano, Jr., H. ^{[1, 3]} ; Soboyejo, W. O. ^{[4, 1, 2]}

Affiliation

^[1] Princeton Univ, Princeton Inst Sci & Technol Mat, Princeton, NJ 08544 - USA

^[2] Princeton Univ, Dept Civil & Environm Engn, Princeton, NJ 08544 - USA

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Construct & Ambience Grp, Fac Anim Sci & Food Engn, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[4] Princeton Univ, Dept Mech & Aerosp Engn, Princeton, NJ 08544 - USA

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Materials Science; v. 47, n. 6, p. 2864-2874, MAR 2012.
• Web of Science Citations: 11

Abstract

This article presents the results of a combined experimental and theoretical study of fracture and resistance-curve behavior of hybrid natural fiber- and synthetic polymer fiber-reinforced composites that are being developed for potential applications in affordable housing. Fracture and resistance-curve behavior are studied using single-edge notched bend specimens. The sisal fibers used were examined using atomic force microscopy for fiber bundle structures. The underlying crack/microstructure interactions and fracture mechanisms are elucidated via in situ optical microscopy and ex-situ environmental scanning microscopy techniques. The observed crack bridging mechanisms are modeled using small and large scale bridging concepts. The implications of the results are then discussed for the design of eco-friendly building materials that are reinforced with natural and polypropylene fibers. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/16524-0 - Fracture mechanics applied to the development of non conventional extruded composites reinforced with cellulosic and syntetic fibers
• Grantee: Sérgio Francisco dos Santos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Young Researchers