Experimental and numerical analysis of different natural fiber polymer composite

In this study, different combinations of Hemp, Bamboo and Coir fiber are considered as reinforcement materials, while AW106 epoxy resin and HV953 are used as hardeners. The composite lamina was prepared and tested using the hand layup technique with short and random fibers. The tensile and compressive test performed for the analysis of mechanical properties shows that 15% hemp fiber composite is better than bamboo and coir fiber composite. With the increase in fiber volume fraction mechanical properties increases up to a certain limit and a further increase in fiber volume ratio shows adverse effect. Numerical modeling of 15% hemp fiber composite, 15% bamboo fiber composite and 15% coir fiber composite has been done for the calculation of natural frequency and damping factor of natural fiber composite. Numerical modelling was performed using ANSYS 2021 R1 and the specimen was considered in the form of a cantilever beam with a size 200 mm x 20 mm x 4 mm. The damping factor was calculated with the help of the half-power bandwidth method. Numerical analysis reveals that natural frequency and damping values of hemp fiber composite are better than bamboo and coir fiber composite. The worst results were obtained for coir fiber composite. The nondimensional frequency response of hemp fiber composite is better than bamboo and coir fiber composite.

Automated summary

This study investigates the mechanical and vibrational properties of composite materials reinforced with hemp, bamboo, and coir fibers. The results show that the mechanical properties of the 15% hemp fiber composite are better than those of the bamboo and coir fiber composites, and the vibrational characteristics of the hemp fiber composite are also superior.