Abstract
Different types of impact test methods have been used in recent years to measure the impact resistance of natural fibre composites (NFCs). After reviewing the literature, the impact resistance of flax, hemp, sisal, wood and jute fibre composites that were measured using different test methods have been compared and discussed. It has been learned that the test methods were selected for research interest, industry requirement or availability of test equipment. Each method had its own advantages and limitations. The result from a particular test could be compared but not with the result from other test methods. Most impact test methods were developed for testing ductile-brittle transition of metals. However, each NFC has a different morphology and cannot be comparable to metals in failure mode and energy absorption characteristic during an impact test. A post evaluation of morphology of an NFC sample after an impact test is important to characterise the material.
Highlights
Natural fibre composites (NFC) are made of a polymer matrix reinforced with cellulose-based plant fibres such as flax, hemp, sisal, wood and jute
Most of NFCs are recyclable while the natural fibre and biopolymer composites can be biodegradable [1]
Izod and Charpy use the same principle to measure the impact resistance [5]. The difference in both methods is that in the Charpy impact test the specimen is supported as a simple beam, and in the Izod impact test the specimen is supported as a cantilever
Summary
Natural fibre composites (NFC) are made of a polymer matrix reinforced with cellulose-based plant fibres such as flax, hemp, sisal, wood and jute. They are receiving increasing attention in automobile, building and other engineering applications. Impact behaviour is an important mechanical property of engineering materials that are used for many popular applications including interior and exterior components of automobiles, buildings, aircrafts and many more It depends on a number of parameters such as strength, elastic modulus, length and orientation of fibres, and fibre-matrix interfacial bond strength. The impact resistance of some flax, hemp, sisal, wood and jute fibre composites that were measured using different test methods are compared and discussed. The benefits and limitations of using each method for NFCs are presented
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