Effects of different weaving patterns on thermomechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of Kevlar/pineapple leaf fiber hybrid composites

Abstract

AbstractIn the present study, different weaving patterns (plain, twill, and basket types) on intra‐ply Kevlar and pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) woven hybrid fabrics with epoxy matrix composites were fabricated using compression molding process and their thermomechanical and dynamic mechanical characteristics were examined. From the results, it was evident that pure Kevlar composites have the best flexural, impact, and interlaminar shear strength properties of all composites. However, the basket type weaving pattern on intra‐ply hybrid composites possesses better flexural strength of 282 MPa and flexural modulus of 6 GPa, the impact strength of 16.3 kJ/m2, interlaminar shear strength of 3.43 MPa. Moreover, it is observed that the pure Kevlar and twill type weaving patterns have better thermal stability compared to the remaining composites. The dynamic mechanical analysis results observed plain type intra‐ply hybrid composites possess enhanced storage modulus, loss modulus, and tan delta values due to their greater interfacial adhesion between Kevlar and PALF fiber with epoxy matrix. The differential scanning calorimetry results showed both basket weave and twill weave hybrid composites had the greatest glass transition temperature values of 78 and 76°C, respectively. Further, the thermomechanical analysis showed basket type hybrid composites have the lowest coefficient of thermal expansion and highest glass transition temperature value of 63.34°C. To conclude, these intra‐ply hybrid composites have enhanced mechanical strength and thermal stability, indicating suitable automotive interior parts applications.