Abstract
Partially and fully biodegradable natural fibre – reinforced composites have been prepared using a novel patented woven-nonwoven technology. Natural fibres included jute and sisal, whereas the matrices were of synthetic polymers derived from petroleum (polypropylene (PP)) or natural (polylactic acid (PLA)) resources. The physical, mechanical and flammability properties of these partially and fully biodegradable composites have been studied and compared with those of similarly produced glass-fibre reinforced PP and PLA composites with a view to enabling their use in automotive applications. Mechanical test results showed that the tensile and flexural moduli of the PLA composites were higher than respective PP composites. In comparison, sisal composites have higher tensile and flexural moduli than jute composites. The fire performance of the composites studied by cone calorimetry showed that while natural fibre reinforcement had no effect on time-to-ignition, peak heat release was significantly reduced. PLA composites had lower burning propensity compared to respective PP composites.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
