Theoretical assessment of the elastic modulus of natural fiber-based intra-ply hybrid composites

Abstract

The applications of natural fibers composites are growing in many sectors such as automotive industry, furniture, packing and construction. This is mainly due to their advantages compared to synthetic fibers composites (i.e., low cost, low weight, abundant and renewable resources among others). Nowadays, all of the main international automotive manufactures use these materials and their use is expected to increase in this area. In this study, two analytical models: rule of hybrid mixtures modified (RoHM) and an analytical model based on classical lamination theory, were used to determine theoretically the elastic modulus of intra-ply natural fiber-reinforced hybrid composites. The predicted elastic modulus was compared further with the experimental elastic modulus of jute/ramie, jute/sisal and jute/curauá intra-ply hybrid composites. The prediction by the model based on classical lamination theory showed a good agreement with the experimental elastic modulus values with a maximum deviation of 10%, while the RoHM overpredicted the elastic modulus values with a maximum deviation of 44%. Other mechanical properties such as shear modulus and flexural modulus can also be predicted by the same model. The new approach presented can be adopted as a primary tool to predict the mechanical properties of intra-ply hybrid composites. However, there is still a possibility to refine the theoretical prediction of elastic modulus by accounting the curvature parameter due to interlacing of yarns in woven fabrics.