Structure property relation of hybrid biocomposites based on jute, viscose and polypropylene: The effect of the fibre content and the length on the fracture toughness and the fatigue properties

In the present study, the extent of jute and viscose fibre breakage during the extrusion process on the fracture toughness and the fatigue properties was investigated. The composite materials were manufactured using direct long fibre thermoplastic (D-LFT) extrusion, followed by compression moulding. The fracture toughness (K-IC) and the fracture energy (G(IC)) of the PP-J30 composites were significantly improved (133% and 514%, respectively) with the addition of 10 wt% viscose fibres, indicating hindered crack propagation. The addition of viscose fibres resulted in three times higher fatigue life compared with that of the unmodified jute composites. Further, with the addition of (2 wt%) MAPP, the PP-J30-V10 resulted in a higher average viscose fibre length of 8.1 mm, and the fracture toughness and fracture energy increased from 9.1 to 10.0 MPa m(1/2) and 28.9 to 31.2 kJ/m(2), respectively. Similarly, the fatigue life increased 51% compared with the PP-J30-V10, thus demonstrating the increased work energy due to hindrance of the propagation of cracks. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.