Tensile Properties Prediction of Unidirectional Flax/Polyester Composites: Mathematical Modeling and Experimental Investigation

The mathematical modeling and experimental investigations are carried out to evaluate the tensile properties of unidirectional flax/polyester composites in the present study. For this purpose, the fabrication of flax reinforced polyester composites is carried out using mould and punch setup and following the hand layup technique. The longitudinal arrangement of fiber is placed during the fabrication of composite. To evaluate tensile properties, tensile testing of flax fiber, polyester resin and unidirectional flax/polyester composites (UDFPC) are carried out as per ASTM standards. Interphase plays a key role in the prediction of the tensile properties thus mathematical models are also proposed to evaluate longitudinal elastic modulus of composite (E-c) including the interphase in the composites. The paper signifies the outcome as tensile strength (TS) and E-c increase gradually with an increase in volume fraction of fiber (v(f)). The proposed mathematical model can be used to predict the E-c of UDFPC.

Automated summary

The tensile properties of unidirectional flax/polyester composites were evaluated through mathematical modeling and experimental investigations. The fabrication of flax reinforced polyester composites was carried out using a mould and punch setup, and the hand layup technique. Tensile testing of different materials was conducted according to ASTM standards, and mathematical models were proposed to evaluate the longitudinal elastic modulus of the composite.