Effect of Stacking Sequence on Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Flax/Jute Fibers Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites

In this study, the hybrid composites were prepared by stacking jute/PP nonwoven and flax/MAPP woven fabrics in defined sequences. Polypropylene (PP) and maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) were used as matrix materials. Jute and flax fibers were treated with alkali solution in order to improve the interface properties of the resultant composites. The mechanical properties of these hybrid composites were analyzed by means of tensile, flexural, and drop-weight impact tests. The effect of fabric stacking sequence on the mechanical properties of the composites was investigated. The stacking of nonwovens at the top and in alternate layers has resulted in maximum flexural strength, flexural stiffness, and impact force. It was also shown that hybrid composites have improved tensile, flexural, and impact properties in comparison to neat PP matrix. (C) 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers