Tensile Strengths of Random Ramie Yarn/HDPE Thermoplastic Matrix Prepreg Composites

Abstract

Development of the materials based on technology which have includes: environmentally friendly, capable of recycling, sustainable and renewable in consideration of the environmental pressure. With good mechanical strength, ramie fibers as reinforcement have good potential to be used in composites. HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) as a matrix has advantages which have good rigidity and processed using hot compression molding machine. Random ramie yarn/HDPE thermoplastic matrix pregreg composites were prepared with a 30%, 40 %, and 50% v/v fiber fraction content were studied. The fibers were arranged to make a random fiber arrangements. The specimens were then tested using tensile tests, and the results were analyzed using two parameters Weibull distribution. The tensile properties of the composites showed that a 50% v/v fiber content is higher than other fiber content.