Determination of static fracture toughness of nettle fibre (Urtica dioica)/Polymethylmethacrylate composites using different fracture methods

Abstract

In this study, the breaking behaviour of polymethylmethacrylate reinforced with nettle fibre was investigated experimentally. Single edge notched bending (SENB) and compact test(CT) specimens were produced to include notches in various ratios. The Mode I fracture behaviour of samples were determined utilizing static fracture toughness experiments such as the Three Point Bending (TPB) and Compact Tensile tests. The fracture toughness (KIC) was investigated using the TPB Test (Compliance and Initial notch method), and Compact Tension test. The bending module and bending stresses were also determined. It was found that nettle-fibre reinforcement improves the bending strength of the composite by 60% and improves the fracture toughness more than two-fold.