A natural composite and nanocomposite of luffa fibers and chitosan resin under mechanical tests

Abstract

This article introduces natural composite and nanocomposite panels of Luffa fibers–chitosan resin; and they are subjected to quasi-static penetration tests and compression experiments to discuss their penetration resistance and compression strength. Natural fibers of Luffa cylindrical sponge were used as the reinforcement and natural chitosan resin was produced from shrimp shells. Specimens with various characteristics were produced through hand layup method and they were subjected to penetration test of a blunt-nose punch. Results demonstrated that there is an optimum mass fraction for chitosan and magnetite nanoparticles to achieve the highest penetration strength; and the best layer configuration is as 0 and 90°, alternately. Furthermore, some glass-chitosan composite panels were produced and comparison of their penetration tests and the corresponding Luffa-chitosan composite experiments demonstrated that in a certain condition, the maximum loads of penetrating the punch into the both composite panels are the same. In second type experiments, quasi–static compression tests were performed on some cubic Luffa–chitosan specimens and results showed that the natural composite cube has significant specific absorbed energy; and by selecting its suitable dimensions, a natural energy absorber can be achieved. Development of the natural Luffa–chitosan composite is suggested, based on sustainability considerations; and using it in the bulletproof vests and armors is presented as a creative idea; due to its natural structure, compatibility with human skin, acceptable resistance against the penetration, its biodegradable ability and simple and low cost production process.