Effect of Textile structure in the process parameters of thermoplastic bio-composite

Abstract

Thermoplastic bio-composite have a higher potential of use based on the sustainability benefits. Natural fibres today are a popular choice for applications in bio- composite manufacturing. Hybrid yarns are a satisfactory solution to improve the fabrication of composites containing a thermoplastic matrix and plant-based fibres. Nevertheless, it is still difficult to produce bio-composites with superior mechanical properties, due to problematic impregnation and consolidation results during the production process. This paper investigates the processing parameters for the compression moulding of two different hemp/PLA textiles structure bio-composites (warp knitting and weaving structure). Finite element simulations are used to optimise the processing parameters (pressure, temperature, and time). The results demonstrated that the textile structure has a small effect on the time of production. Main while the pressure and temperature of processing parameters depend only on the type of matrix and the thickness of biocomposite has a big impact on the time of production.