Influence of weave arrangements on mechanical characteristics of cotton and bamboo woven fabric reinforced composite laminates

Abstract

Due to the increasing demand for environmentally safe products, the use of composites manufactured from natural fibres has become one of the most widely researched subjects lately. In this present study, the influence of weave designs on the mechanical characteristics of bio-based cotton, bamboo and cotton/bamboo fabric reinforced textile epoxy composites is presented. The textile composites were prepared by compression moulding process with different fabric weight ratio of 70:30; 65:35; 60:40; 55:45 and 50:50. The composites were tested for interlaminar shear, flexural, compressive, tensile and impact strength as per ASTM standards. Compared to other weave design composite laminates, 45 wt.% loading of cotton and bamboo textile composite achieved the greatest results for all the tests in a simple weave pattern. The scanning electron microscopy results of the fractured samples exhibited superior interfacial bonding between the fabric and matrix, as evidenced by the presence of significantly reduced fibre bend, fibre pullout, tearing and crack. The prepared natural fibre composites (cotton/bamboo) can be used as an eco-friendly alternative to man-made materials that aid in pollution management. They are also less expensive, have higher mechanical characteristics and use less energy in the manufacturing process.