Influence of temperature and impact velocity on the impact response of jute/UP composites

During the last decade, interest in using natural fibre reinforced composites has increased due to their good specific mechanical properties. The results of an experimental study of the influence of temperature and impact velocity on the low velocity impact response of jute fiber reinforced unsaturated polyester (UP) composite laminates is presented. A series of low velocity impact tests were performed using an instrumented falling weight test system at three different temperatures (30, 50 and 75 degrees C) and two impact velocities (1.5 and 2 m/s). The results indicate that jute/UP composites were able to withstand higher loads when tested at 30 degrees C. The composites were subsequently subjected to three-point bending tests in order to investigate the flexural strength after impact (FAI) and it was found that FAI significantly decreased with increase in test temperature. Impact damage characterised by AE revealed delamination as a major failure mode. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.