Fabrication and Mechanical Characterization of Bio-Composite Helmet

Abstract

Recently, bio composite materials are synthesized using natural cellulose fibers as reinforcements together with matrix, which have attracted the attention of researchers due to their low density with high specific mechanical strengths, availability, renewability, degradable and being environmental-friendly. The present work attempts to make an improvement in the current existing helmet manufacturing methodology and materials used to have better mechanical properties as well as to enhance the compatibility between fibers and the matrix. The bio-composite are prepared with the epoxy resin matrix and fibers such as jute, sisal, coconut, areca and banana using hand lay-up method with appropriate proportions to result in helmet shell structure. The fabricated bio-composite are evaluated for mechanical properties such as impact strength and flexural strength. The bio-composite helmet was evaluated for drop weight impact test. The results show that bio-composite could be a potential application for helmet with further optimisation of volume fraction of natural fibers.