Commingled synthetic and natural fibers preforms reinforced composites: a simultaneous comparison of mechanical properties

Abstract

Commingling offering efficient engineering of dry prepregs has become an important technique for thermoplastic composites fabrication. Polypropylene is among the most consumed materials while preparing commingled thermoplastic preforms. However, the overall behaviors of composites may differ depending on the nature of reinforcing fibers. The study focuses on the development of commingled thermoplastic composites using polypropylene with different natural and synthetic fibers. Carbon, glass, linen, and hemp fibers were employed to analyze the behaviors simultaneously. Polypropylene yarn was plied with reinforcing fibers and then sheets were prepared using weaving technology. Tensile and impact characterization revealed crucial influence of reinforcing fibers on mechanical properties. Carbon fiber reinforced composite exhibited highest tensile characteristics with a modulus of 23.470 GPa; however, glass offering better through thickness properties entailed viable impact behaviors. Replacing reinforcing materials with hemp, and linen shifted properties toward ductile natures. Pretreated linen reinforced composite showed about 36% decrease in tensile strength, proving the negative contribution of natural fibers' pretreatments toward mechanical characteristics. In a nutshell, the developed composites can have successful applications in automotive, sports, and aerospace depending on the nature of mechanical properties obtained for each material. Highlights: Commingled yarns were used for preparing composites. PP yarns were used as matrix in preparing synthetic and natural fiber composites. Carbon fiber composites showed the highest mechanical properties. Glass fiber composites showed the highest impact behaviors. Pretreatment of natural fibers declines the mechanical properties.