Mechanical and Ballistic Properties of Epoxy Composites Reinforced with Babassu Fibers ().

The mechanical and ballistic performance of epoxy matrix composites reinforced with 10, 20, and 30 vol.% of babassu fibers was investigated for the first time. The tests included tension, impact, and ballistic testing with 0.

Babassu Coconut Fibers: Investigation of Chemical and Surface Properties (.).

To complement previous results, an analysis of the chemical and morphological properties of babassu fibers (.) was conducted in order to evaluate their potential as reinforcements in the production of composites with epoxy matrix. The diameter distribution was analyzed in a sample of one hundred fibers, allowing the verification of its variation.

Ballistic Behavior of Epoxy Composites Reinforced with Amazon Titica Vine Fibers () in Multilayered Armor System and as Stand-Alone Target.

Seeking to improve personal armor equipment by providing mobility and resistance to penetration, this research aimed to explore the potential of sustainable materials in order to assess their ability in ballistic applications. Titica vine fibers (TVFs) extracted from aerial roots of from the Amazon region were incorporated at 10, 20, 30, and 40 vol% into an epoxy matrix for applications in ballistic multilayered armor systems (MASs) and stand-alone tests for personal protection against high-velocity 7.62 mm ammunition.

Ballistic Performance, Thermal and Chemical Characterization of Ubim Fiber () Reinforced Epoxy Matrix Composites.

The search for unexplored natural materials as an alternative to synthetic components has driven the development of novel polymeric composites reinforced with environmentally-friendly materials. Natural lignocellulosic fibers (NLFs) have been highlighted as potential reinforcement in composite materials for engineering applications. In this work, a less known Amazonian fiber, the ubim fiber (), is investigated as a possible reinforcement in epoxy composites and was, for the first time, thermally characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).

Thermal Behavior of Curaua-Aramid Hybrid Laminated Composites for Ballistic Helmet.

Hybrid composites are expanding applications in cutting-edge technology industries, which need materials capable of meeting combined properties in order to guarantee high performance and cost-effectiveness. This original article aimed for the first time to investigate the hybrid laminated composite thermal behavior, made of two types of fibers: synthetic Twaron fabric and natural curaua non-woven mat, reinforcing epoxy matrix. The composite processing was based on the ballistic helmets methodology from the North American Personal Armor System for Ground Troops, currently used by the Brazilian Army, aiming at reduced costs, total weight, and environmental impact associated with the material without compromising ballistic performance.

Mechanical Properties Optimization of Hybrid Aramid and Jute Fabrics-Reinforced Graphene Nanoplatelets in Functionalized HDPE Matrix Nanocomposites.

Natural lignocellulosic fibers (NLFs) have been used as a reinforcement for polymer matrix composites in the past couple of decades. Their biodegradability, renewability, and abundance make them appealing for sustainable materials. However, synthetic fibers surpass NLFs in mechanical and thermal properties.

Curaua-Aramid Hybrid Laminated Composites for Impact Applications: Flexural, Charpy Impact and Elastic Properties.

Curaua, as a leaf-based natural fiber, appears to be a promising component with aramid fabric reinforcement of hybrid composites. This work deals with the investigation of flexural, impact and elastic properties of non-woven curaua-aramid fabric hybrid epoxy composites. Five configurations of hybrid composites in a curaua non-woven mat with an increasing quantity of layers, up to four layers, were laminated through the conventional hand lay-up method.

Dynamic Mechanical Analysis and Ballistic Performance of Kenaf Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites.

Several industry sectors have sought to develop materials that combine lightness, strength and cost-effectiveness. Natural lignocellulosic natural fibers have demonstrated to be efficient in replacing synthetic fibers, owing to several advantages such as costs 50% lower than that of synthetic fibers and promising mechanical specific properties. Polymeric matrix composites that use kenaf fibers as reinforcement have shown strength increases of over 600%.

Ballistic Properties and Izod Impact Resistance of Novel Epoxy Composites Reinforced with Caranan Fiber ().

Natural lignocellulosic fibers (NFLs) possess several economic, technical, environmental and social advantages, making them an ideal alternative to synthetic fibers in composite materials. Caranan fiber is an NFL extract from the leafstalk of the palm tree, endemic to South America. The present work investigates the addition of 10, 20 and 30 vol% caranan fiber in epoxy resin, regarding the properties associated with Izod notch tough and ballistic performance.

Dynamic and Ballistic Performance of Uni- and Bidirectional Pineapple Leaf Fibers (PALF)-Reinforced Epoxy Composites Functionalized with Graphene Oxide.

Replacing synthetic fibers with natural ones as reinforcement in polymeric composites is an alternative to contribute to sustainability. Pineapple leaf fibers (PALF) have specific mechanical properties that allow their use as reinforcement. Further, graphene oxide (GO) has aroused interest due to its distinctive properties that allow the improvement of fiber/matrix interfacial adhesion.

Tensile Properties of Curaua-Aramid Hybrid Laminated Composites for Ballistic Helmet.

A typical ballistic protection helmet for ground military troops has an inside laminate polymer composite reinforced with 19 layers of the aramid, which are neither recyclable or biodegradable and are relatively expensive. The hybridization of synthetic aramid with a natural lignocellulosic fiber (NLF) can provide a lower cost and desirable sustainability to the helmet. In the present work, the curaua fiber, one of the strongest NLFs, is, for the first time, considered in non-woven mat layers to partially replace the aramid woven fabric layers.

Dynamic and Ballistic Performance of Graphene Oxide Functionalized Curaua Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Nanocomposites.

Graphene oxide (GO) functionalized curaua fiber (CF) has been shown to improve the mechanical properties and ballistic performance of epoxy matrix (EM) nanocomposites with 30 vol% fiber. However, the possibility of further improvement in the property and performance of nanocomposites with a greater percentage of GO functionalized CF is still a challenging endeavor. In the present work, a novel epoxy composite reinforced with 40 vol% CF coated with 0.

Physical and Mechanical Characterization of Titica Vine () Incorporated Epoxy Matrix Composites.

Titica vine () is a typical plant of the Amazon region commonly used for making baskets, bags, brooms and furniture, owing to its stiff fibers. In spite of its interesting properties, there is so far no reported information regarding the use of titica vine fibers (TVFs) in engineering composite materials. In this work, the TVF and its epoxy composites were for the first time physically, thermally and mechanically characterized.

Energy Absorption and Limit Velocity of Epoxy Composites Incorporated with Fique Fabric as Ballistic Armor-A Brief Report.

Polymer composites reinforced with natural fabric have recently been investigated as possible ballistic armor for personal protection against different levels of ammunition. In particular, fabric made of fique fibers, which is extracted from the leaves of the , was applied as reinforcement for polymer composites used in a multilayered armor system (MAS). The superior performance of the fique fabric composites as a second MAS layer motivated this brief report on the determination of the absorbed energy and capability to limit velocity in the stand-alone ballistic tests.

Thermal and Chemical Characterization of Kenaf Fiber () Reinforced Epoxy Matrix Composites.

Kenaf () is one of the most investigated and industrially applied natural fibers for polymer composite reinforcement. However, relatively limited information is available regarding its epoxy composites. In this work, both thermal and chemical properties were, for the first time, determined in kenaf fiber reinforced epoxy matrix composites.

Dynamic Mechanical Behavior of Graphene Oxide Functionalized Curaua Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites: A Brief Report.

The coating of natural fiber by graphene oxide (GO) has, over, this past decade, attracted increasing attention as an effective way to improve the adhesion to polymer matrices and enhance the composite properties. In particular, the GO-functionalized 30 vol% curaua fiber () reinforcing epoxy composite was found to display superior tensile and thermogravimetric properties as well as higher fiber/matrix interfacial shear strength. In this brief report, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was conducted in up to 50 vol% GO-functionalized curaua fiber reinforced epoxy matrix (EM) composites.

Leaf Fiber: A Promising New Reinforcement for Epoxy Composites.

A basic characterization of novel epoxy matrix composites incorporated with up to 40 vol% of processed leaf fibers from the palm tree, known as carnauba fibers, was performed. The tensile properties for the composite reinforced with 40 vol% of carnauba fibers showed an increase (40%) in the tensile strength and (69%) for the elastic modulus. All composites presented superior elongation values in comparison to neat epoxy.

Caranan Fiber from Palm Tree as Novel Reinforcement for Epoxy Composites.

A growing environmental concern is increasing the search for new sustainable materials. In this scenario, natural lignocellulosic fibers (NLFs) became an important alternative to replace synthetic fibers commonly used as composites reinforcement. In this regard, unknown NLFs such as the caranan fiber () found in South American rain forests revealed promising properties for engineering applications.

Composites with Natural Fibers and Conventional Materials Applied in a Hard Armor: A Comparison.

Natural-fiber-reinforced polymer composites have recently drawn attention as new materials for ballistic armor due to sustainability benefits and lower cost as compared to conventional synthetic fibers, such as aramid and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). In the present work, a comparison was carried out between the ballistic performance of UHMWPE composite, commercially known as Dyneema, and epoxy composite reinforced with 30 vol % natural fibers extracted from pineapple leaves (PALF) in a hard armor system. This hard armor system aims to provide additional protection to conventional level IIIA ballistic armor vests, made with Kevlar, by introducing the PALF composite plate, effectively changing the ballistic armor into level III.

Graphene-Incorporated Natural Fiber Polymer Composites: A First Overview.

A novel class of graphene-based materials incorporated into natural lignocellulosic fiber (NLF) polymer composites is surging since 2011. The present overview is the first attempt to compile achievements regarding this novel class of composites both in terms of technical and scientific researches as well as development of innovative products. A brief description of the graphene nature and its recent isolation from graphite is initially presented together with the processing of its main derivatives.

Mechanical Properties of Natural Fabric Reinforced Epoxy Matrix Composite Prepared by Vacuum-Assisted Resin Infusion Molding.

Natural lignocellulosic fibers and corresponding fabrics have been gaining notoriety in recent decades as reinforcement options for polymer matrices associated with industrially applied composites. These natural fibers and fabrics exhibit competitive properties when compared with some synthetics such as glass fiber. In particular, the use of fabrics made from natural fibers might be considered a more efficient alternative, since they provide multidirectional reinforcement and allow the introduction of a larger volume fraction of fibers in the composite.

Curing Kinetic Parameters of Epoxy Composite Reinforced with Mallow Fibers.

Knowledge about the curing behavior of a thermosetting resin and its composites includes the determination of kinetic parameters and constitutes an important scientific and technological tool for industrial process optimization. In the present work, the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) technique was used to determine several curing parameters for pure epoxy and its composite reinforced with 20 vol % mallow fibers. Analyses were performed with heating rates of 5, 7.

Effect of Graphene Oxide Coating on Natural Fiber Composite for Multilayered Ballistic Armor.

Composites with sustainable natural fibers are currently experiencing remarkably diversified applications, including in engineering industries, owing to their lower cost and density as well as ease in processing. Among the natural fibers, the fiber extracted from the leaves of the Amazonian curaua plant () is a promising strong candidate to replace synthetic fibers, such as aramid (Kevlar™), in multilayered armor system (MAS) intended for ballistic protection against level III high velocity ammunition. Another remarkable material, the graphene oxide is attracting considerable attention for its properties, especially as coating to improve the interfacial adhesion in polymer composites.