Measuring material velocity and thickness mapping of flax fiber-reinforced plastic composites using automated ultrasonic rapid motion scanner

Abstract

The interest in using sustainable materials was a part of the Sustainable Development Goals by the United Nations in 2015, its mission aims to eradicate poverty and conserve the environment by the year 2023. The use of engineered bio-fiber has the potential to replace the usage of synthetic fibers. However, the diversification of the application is limitless. The intended paper investigates the detection of impurities of cured pre-impregnated bio-composite using C-scan ultrasound. The Flax Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Composites were fabricated and cured with heat-assisted curing. The panels were inspected by an automatic ultrasonic rapid motion scanner to measure the material sound velocity of the Flax panel. As a result, the test obtained a reference value of Flax Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Composite material sound velocity of 3.17 (31700 mm/s) for thickness mapping. The obtain sound velocity value can be used as a future reference for inspecting any type of flax material specimen by using the rapid motion scanner from Eddyfi Technologies.