Effect of Low Impact Energy on Kenaf Composite and Kenaf/Fiberglass Hybrid Composite Laminates

Abstract

Kenaf fibres recently have been a substitute material in many weight-critical applications such as aerospace, automotive and other industrial sectors. Their characteristics, such as low densities, specific strength and specific modulus are considered superior to those of metallic materials. The tensile and low velocity impact of kenaf composites and kenaf/fibreglass composites were investigated. The findings of such revealed that the tensile properties of the composites were seriously impaired even when low energy was used. As for hybrid composites, the tensile properties were hardly affected when tested with energy of below (6J). However, the tensile properties were reduced after the energy increased above (6J). Therefore, the impact damage of the composites can be predicted from measurements taken from the residual tensile strength of impacted specimens, and the damaged zones of the composites.