Abstract
Advantages of using kenaf fibres over synthetic fibres in composites manufacturing are relatively cheap, less abrasive and hazardous during handling, and renewable materials. Current work investigates parametric effects on notched strength of woven fabric kenaf polymer composites plates with variation of lay-up types, notch sizes and plate thickness. Testing coupons are prepared using hand lay-up technique and circular notch were drilled prior to mechanical testing. Stress concentration at the notch edge promotes micro-damage event as tensile loading was applied leading to crack initiation and propagations across the plate width. It is suggested that woven fabric kenaf polymer composites are potentially used in low and medium load bearing applications.
Highlights
Applicability of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) and Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) in Malaysia is relatively limited as compared to other engineering materials and current supplies are generally imported, production of composite materials made from local-produced fibres may reduce CFRP and GFRP dependency and wider its applicability to a greater extent
In a notched woven fabric GFRP composite subjected to remote tension, it has been shown experimentally using a model GFRP system that prior to failure an intense zone of damage develops in the region of maximum tensile stress [4]
It was found that better notched strength was exhibited by cross-ply lay-ups due to larger volume fraction of 0 ̊ plies compared to equivalent quasi-isotropic lay-ups series
Summary
Applicability of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) and Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) in Malaysia is relatively limited as compared to other engineering materials and current supplies are generally imported, production of composite materials made from local-produced fibres (e.g. kenaf fibres) may reduce CFRP and GFRP dependency and wider its applicability to a greater extent. Comprehensive review of published literatures concerned with notched plates in composite materials and associated experimental observations has been presented [3,4,5,6] Plates with discontinuities such as notch introducing stress concentrations at the vicinity of notch edge and different fracture and failure mechanisms are observed as compared with unidirectional (non-woven) lay-ups counterparts. In a notched woven fabric GFRP composite subjected to remote tension, it has been shown experimentally using a model (transparent) GFRP system that prior to failure an intense zone of damage develops in the region of maximum tensile stress [4]. Damage within that zone comprises of matrix cracking, fibre-matrix splitting and fibre tow fracture This approach is important to further the exploratory of plates associated with stress concentrations such as in bolted and welded joints [7,8]. The experimental methodology includes woven fabric kenaf coupon preparation as designated in testing series, drilling of circular hole and conducting mechanical testing
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