Abstract
The microbond test for natural fibers is difficult to conduct experimentally due to several challenges including controlling the gap distance of the blade, the meniscus shape, and the large data spread. In this study, a finite element simulation was performed to investigate the effects of the bonding characteristics in the interface between the fiber and matrix on the Typha fiber/epoxy microbond test. Our aim was to obtain the accurate mesh and cohesive properties via simulation of the Typha fiber/epoxy microbond test using the cohesive zone model technique. The axisymmetric model was generated to model the microbond test specimen with a cohesive layer between the fiber and matrix. The cohesive parameter and mesh type were varied to determine the appropriate cohesive properties and mesh type. The fine mesh with 61,016 elements and cohesive properties including stiffness coefficients Knn = 2700 N/mm3, Ktt = 2700 N/mm3, and Kss = 2700 N/mm3; fracture energy of 15.15 N/mm; and damage initiation tnn = 270 N/mm2, ttt = 270 N/mm2, and tss = 270 N/mm2 were the most suitable. The cohesive zone model can describe the debonding process in the simulation of the Typha fiber/epoxy microbond test. Therefore, the results of the Typha fiber/epoxy microbond simulation can be used in the simulation of Typha fiber reinforced composites at the macro-scale.
Highlights
Natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites have attracted research interest as replacements for synthetic fibers
Finite element analysis was performed on an ASUS computer (AsusTek Computer Inc., Taipei, Taiwan) with an Intel core i9 processor (Intel Corp., Santa Clara, CA, USA) and 16 GB RAM
We found that the appropriate mesh type and cohesive properties for the simulation of the Typha fiber/epoxy microbond test
Summary
Natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites have attracted research interest as replacements for synthetic fibers. Synthetic fibers are not environmentally friendly due to being nonbiodegradable, which causes environmental problems. Natural fibers have rapidly been developed to reinforce polymer composites. Several natural fiber composites have been studied including ramie, kenaf, coir, sisal, hemp, and jute [1,2,3]. One of the natural fibers that has the potential to reinforce composites is Typha fiber. Typha is widely available in most countries [4]. Typha grows rapidly on wetlands and is often considered as parasite.
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