Chapter 15 - The Influence of Fiber Size Toward Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Roselle Fiber-Reinforced Polylactide (PLA) Composites by Using Ansys Software

Abstract

Natural fibers are used as an alternative resource due to environmental issues and petroleum depletion. Over the last few years, roselle plants have been widely exploited as a source of natural fiber. The natural fiber has been able to benefit both the economy and environment. This research presents the effect of fiber size on mechanical and thermal properties of roselle fiber-reinforced polylactide (PLA) composites by using ANSYS software. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effect of fiber size on the mechanical and thermal properties of roselle fiber-reinforced PLA composites by using ANSYS software. In order to evaluate the effect of fiber size, three parameters were set. An updated three-dimensional finite element model was developed in the ANSYS 16.1 workbench to determine the characterization of the composites under functionally suitable loading conditions. Past researchers have conducted studies on different fiber length and different fiber loading orientations, including different materials widely used in developing countries. The meshing process is important as it indicates a good result between fiber and matrix, which improved the mechanical and thermal properties of the composites in the simulation analysis. The best fiber size was determined in this research for the performance of mechanical and thermal properties of the composites.