Comparison of Flexural Properties of Luffa and Jute Fibers

In this study, the mechanical properties of bio-composite materials produced by using plant-based fibers compared. Luffa fiber and jute were used as reinforcement in the production of these bio-composite samples. To able to compare the mechanical properties of the reinforcement the same matrix (epoxy) was used in the production of all samples. Three-point bending tests were performed to determine the mechanical properties of these specimens. According to the test results, the Flexural Stress of luffa and jute fibers were measured 55 MPa and 36.5 MPa respectively. Also, Flexural Modulus calculated as 5.7 GPa for luffa and 5.5 GPa for jute fibers. The strength of luffa fibers experimentally determined as obviously higher than jute fiber. Due to the high strength of luffa fibers should be preferred especially in applications that would be subjected to bending loads. Because of their design and strength characteristics of these green materials, it is envisaged that these materials could be an alternative for potential uses in aerospace, automotive and marine industries. We continue to work on the development of the mechanical properties of this kind of plant-based fibers in order to find a new alternative to glass fibers.

Anahtar Kelimeler:

Luffa fiber, Jute fiber, Bio-composite, Bending, Flexural strength

PDF

___

1. Acharya, S.K., Mishra, P., Mehar, S.K., Dikshit, V., (2008). Weathering Behavior of Bagasse Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite. Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites 27 (16-17) 1839-1846.
2. Balakrishnan, P., John, M.J., Pothen, L., Sreekala, M.S., Thomas, S., (2016). 12 - Natural fibre and polymer matrix composites and their applications in aerospace engineering. Woodhead Publishing.
3. Caprino, G., Lopresto, V., Santoro, D., (2007). Ballistic impact behaviour of stitched graphite/epoxy laminates. Composites Science and Technology, 67 (3) 325-335.
4. Diharjo, K., Hastuti, S., Triyasmoko, A., Sumarsono, A.G., Putera, D.P., Riyadi, F., et al., (2013). The application of kenaf fiber reinforced polypropylene composite with clay particles for the interior panel of electrical vehicle. in Joint International Conference on Rural Information & Communication Technology and Electric-Vehicle Technology (rICT & ICeV-T), 26-28 Nov. 2013, 1-4.
5. Wambua, P., Ivens, J., Verpoest, I., (2003). Natural fibres: can they replace glass in fibre reinforced plastics?. Composites Science and Technology, 63 (9) 1259-1264.
6. Bodros, E., Baley, C., (2008). Study of the tensile properties of stinging nettle fibres (Urtica dioica). Materials Letters, 62 (14) 2143-2145.
7. Kocak, D., (2008). The Study of the Effects of Different Chemical Compounds Applied on Luffa Cylindrica Fibres with the Help of Ultrasonic Energy. Journal of Polymer Engineering, 28 (8) 501-515.
8. Shen, J., Min Xie, Y., Huang, X., Zhou, S., Ruan, D., (2012). Mechanical properties of luffa sponge. Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 15 (0) 141-152.
9. Genc, G., (2015). Dynamic properties of luffa cylindrica fiber reinforced bio-composite beam. Journal of Vibroengineering, 17 (4) 1615-1622.
10. Genc, G., Koruk, H., (2017). Identification of the Dynamic Characteristics of Luffa Fiber Reinforced Bio-Composite Plates. Bioresources, 12 (3) 5358-5368.
11. Koruk, H., Genc, G., (2015). Investigation of the acoustic properties of bio luffa fiber and composite materials. Materials Letters, 157 (0) 166-168.
12. Koruk, H., Genc, G., (2019). 17 - Acoustic and mechanical properties of luffa fiber-reinforced biocomposites. Woodhead Publishing.
13. ISO14125, (1999). Fibre-reinforced plastic composites — Determination of flexural properties.