RESUMO
Plant-derived fibres, called lignocellulosic fibres, are a natural alternative to synthetic fibres in polymer composite reinforcement. Utilizing renewable resources, such as fibre-reinforced polymeric composites made from plant and animal sources, has become a crucial design requirement for developing and producing parts for all industrial goods. Natural-fibre-based composites are used for door panels, trays, glove boxes, etc. This study involves developing and thermal analysing a flax fibre reinforced with phenol-formaldehyde resin hybridization with ramie fibre by way of a vacuum infusion process. As per ASTM Standard, eight different sequences were fabricated and thermally characterized. In the present study, three stages of weight loss (%) are shown by the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The sample loses less weight during the first stage, more during the second, and more during the third. The sample's overall maximum temperature was recorded at 630 °C. It was discovered that sample D (80.1 °C) had the highest heat deflection temperature, and sample B had the lowest (86.0 °C). Sample C had a low thermal expansion coefficient, while sample G had a high thermal expansion coefficient. Sample E had the highest thermal conductivity, measured at 0.213 W/mK, whereas sample A had the lowest conductivity, at 0.182 W/mK. From the present study, it was found that sample H had better thermal characteristics. The result of the present investigation would generate thermal data regarding hybrid ramie and flax composites, which would be helpful for researchers and practitioners involved in the field of biocomposites.
RESUMO
Modern research focuses on natural, green, and sustainable materials that can be used to replace conventional materials. Because of their beneficial qualities, natural fibre composites are being thoroughly researched. This research focuses on the development of a flax fibre reinforced with phenol-formaldehyde resin hybridization with ramie fibre through a vacuum infusion process. Eight different sequences were fabricated using a core-sheath structure and were mechanically characterized as per ASTM standards. The fabrication technique influences the adhesion of the matrix with reinforcement. The results also reveal that composite having ramie as a sheath layer and flax as a core delivers good mechanical characteristics compared to vice versa. The laminate H exhibited highest mechanical properties among all the eight laminates produced for this study. It exhibited a tensile strength of 54 MPa, tensile modulus of 0.98 Gpa, elongation of 7.1%, flexural strength of 143 Mpa, and compressive strength of 63.65 Mpa. The stress strain curves revealed that all the laminates exhibited ductile behaviour before failing during the tensile test and flexural test, respectively. The stacking sequence of the laminate H influenced the mechanical properties exhibited by it and its counterparts. A morphological study was carried out to analyse the failure surfaces. Morphological analysis exhibited few defects in the laminate after the tests. The composites developed delivers better mechanical properties than commercial composites available on the market, which can be used in lightweight structural applications.