Resin transfer molding of hemp fiber composites: optimization of the process and mechanical properties of the materials

A model based on the resolution of the one-dimensional heat conduction equation with a heat generation term was used to predict the temperature profiles in a RTM mold during curing. The simulations were found to be in good agreement with the experiments. This model associated with mold filling considerations can be used to optimize the processing time. The hemp fiber composites manufactured with this RTM process were found to have a very homogeneous structure with no noticeable defects. The mechanical properties of these materials were found to increase with increasing fiber content. However, these properties were much lower than those of a glass fiber composite of comparable fiber content. In addition the flexural creep measurements showed substantial deformation of the natural fiber composites when they were under high load fatigue conditions. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.