Properties and performances of various hybrid glass/natural fibre composites for curved pipes

The aim of the present work was to investigate the hybridization of glass fibres with natural fibres for applications in the piping industry. The natural fibres studied were hemp, flax and kenaf. The pipe selected for the study was a curved fitting (90 degrees) flanged at both ends designed to withstand an internal pressure of 10 bar and in the presence of acid aqueous solutions. Mechanical properties such as tensile and flexural test of hybrid glass/natural fibre reinforced epoxy composites in the forms of lamina and laminates were determined. The lamina prepared with natural fibre mat showed lower mechanical properties compared to laminas with glass mat. For this reason we proposed to use a hybrid design for the pipe which makes use of glass woven fabrics and natural fibre mats. The adoption of this design allowed for a cost reduction of 20% and a weight saving of 23% compared to the current commercial solution. The use of hybrid lay-up leads to a pipe which fulfilled the requirements of mechanical resistance for the intended use. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.