Determination of mechanical properties of abaca-glass fiber

reinforced composites via different fabrication techniques

______________________________________________________________________________
Abstract

Composites made with natural fibers are finding applications in a wide variety of engineering fields due to their low
cost and eco-friendly nature. This paper deals with the different fabrication of natural fiber composite using abaca
along with fiberglass. The fabrication processes done in this study are namely Hand Layup, Vacuum Bagging, and
Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Mold (VARTM). Each composite samples are made up of two layers of fiberglass
with six layers of abaca. The fabricated composite samples are tested to investigate their tensile properties in the
Universal Testing Machine (UTM). Morphological analysis is done using Scanning Electron Microscope. The
wettability of the composite were analyzed with a Contact Angle Goniometer.

Keywords: composites, natural fibers, fiberglass, abaca

___________________________________________________________________________________________

1. Introduction

A composite is combination of two materials in which one of the materials, called the reinforcing phase, is
in the form of fibers, sheets, or particles, and is embedded in the other materials called the matrix phase [1]. The
reinforcing material and the matrix material can be metal, ceramic, or polymer.

The interest in natural fiber-reinforced polymer composite materials is rapidly growing both in terms of
their industrial applications and fundamental research. They are renewable, cheap, completely or partially
recyclable, and biodegradable. Plants, such as flax, cotton, hemp, jute, sisal, kenaf, pineapple, ramie, bamboo,
banana, etc., as well as wood, used from time immemorial as a source of lingo cellulosic fibers, are more and more
often applied as the reinforcement of composites. Their availability, renewability, low density, and price as well as
satisfactory mechanical properties make them an attractive ecological alternative to glass, carbon and man-made
fibers used for the manufacturing of composites [2]. Natural fiber composites are nowadays widely used instead of
synthetic fibers due to their advantages like biodegradability, low weight, low cost and high specific mechanical
properties. Synthetic fiber composites have far better mechanical properties than natural fiber composites but since
they are highly expensive, they are justified only for aircraft and military applications [3].

The properties of natural composites depend on the strength of the fiber and the interfacial adhesion of the
matrix with the fiber. The properties of the composite can be improved by using glass fiber. Pavithran et al. [4]
improved the properties of coir-polyester composites by using glass as the intermediate layer between the coir
layers. Many researchers [5-12] have reported that the mechanical efficiency of the fiber reinforced polymer
composites depends on fiber–matrix interface and the ability to transfer stress from the matrix to fiber. Best
properties can be obtained by combining the synthetic fiber with natural fiber in the same matrix. The impact
behavior of the composites is dependent on the infinite material permutations including fiber and resin types,
quantities, architecture, interfaces and the production methods used [13]. Epoxy resin matrix has better mechanical
properties than polymer matrices. It is due to good interfacial adhesion between the fiber and the matrix. Enhanced
mechanical properties and shorter curing time is characterized by the presence of bonding agents. Impurities like
gums and dust particles decrease the strength of the composite [14, 15].

Abaca is a strong natural fiber used in many industries and is also a major agricultural product in
Philippines. Many works have been reported by researchers on abaca due to its high tensile strength, impervious to
salt water and low cost. Abaca is extracted from pseudo-stem of plant (Musa textiles) [16,17]. Plant is commonly
known as Manila hemp in Philippines. Abaca composites started to interest researcher when Dailmer Chrysler
Company patented abaca polypropylene composite for under floor protection in passenger cars [18].

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 These strands have greater tensile property, cannot be easily decomposed and their flexural strength values
are on par with glass fibers [19-21]. Abaca fibers have affinity towards water, whereas polymer matrix is water
repellant in nature. Among the fiber and matrix compatibility problems arise due to their diversified nature leading
to feeble bonding between the fiber and matrix making the fabrication of the polymer composites complicated.

Researchers have been working on abaca polymer composites to achieve better mechanical strength for
which abaca was used with polypropylene (PP) and polylactide (PLA). But, abaca fiber composite with epoxy as
matrix is rare. Further, it is also well known that epoxy exhibits better mechanical properties than many other
polymers matrices only because of better interfacial strength between matrix and fiber [22,23].

This paper studies the mechanical properties and characterization of the composites fabricated in different
methods along with the changes in composition of composites that affects the mechanical properties.

2. Experimental Details
2.1. Materials

2.1.1. Natural Fibers

Natural fibers are materials that belong to a class of hair like materials which are in the form of continuous
filaments. Natural fibers are classified into two types, as plant (vegetable) fibers and animal fibers. Plant fibers
namely cotton, flax, hemp, abaca, sisal, jute, kenaf, bamboo and coconut are widely used. They are preferred mostly
since they are eco-friendly, and also available in less cost.

[Link]. Abaca Fiber

Abaca is a lingo-cellulosic raw material obtained from plant called as Musa mainly produced in the
Philippines. These fibers are generally used to make twines and ropes but nowadays it is gaining importance as a
good reinforcement for composite materials. The fibers are extracted from the base of the banana leaf and from
coconut.

2.1.2. Glass Fibers

Glass fiber is a material that contains extremely fine fibers of glass. It is light in weight, extremely strong,
and robust. It is formed when thin strands of silica glass are extruded into many fibers with small diameters. Its bulk
strength and weight properties are also very favorable when compared to metals, and it can be easily formed using
molding processes. In general, glass fiber is used as a reinforcing agent for composites to form a very strong and
light fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite material.

2.1.3. Resin and Hardener

Saturated Polyester resin is used to give great binding properties between the fiber layers to form the
matrix. The saturated polyester resin used at room temperature is employed to improve the interfacial adhesion and
impart strength to the composite. A resin and hardener mixture is used to obtain optimum matrix composition.

2.2. Fabrication of Fiber Composites

In this work, the composites are fabricated in different methods. All methods have used 2 layers of chopped
strand mat (CSM 300) glass fibers and 6 layers of abaca fibers.

2.2.1. Hand Layup

Hand layup is a resourceful process used to place fabrics in the mold by hand to remove wrinkles and in-
plane fluctuations in each sheet. The resin (thermoset) can be applied to the dry fabric by resin infusion, or the fabric
can be either a thermoset or thermoplastic prepreg used in a hand layup process [24].

To fabricate a hand layup composite sample, wax was applied on the mold to prevent adhesion between the
mold and the composite. Glass fiber reinforcement was then placed on the mold before pouring the laminating resin

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 on the glass fiber. Layers of abaca were then placed on top of the glass fiber. Formation of bubbles in between the
laminates are prevented with the use of a roller. The composite sample was then are dried for 24h.

2.2.2. Vacuum Bagging

Vacuum bagging is widely used in the composites industry. It is a technique in which you create uniform
pressure to the surfaces of the object inside of a bag, holding parts together while the adhesive cures. Pressurizing a
composite lamination serves several functions.

For this study, the glass fibers was first layered before the abaca and were prepeg with fiber-resin mixture.
With the use of spray adhesive, a peel ply and a perforated film were used to cover the composite for secondary
bonding and to prevent foreign materials from integrating into the composite. Behind the peel ply and perforated
film, a bleeder cloth is placed to absorb the resin and will bleed through peel ply and perforated film. This assembly
is then encased within a plastic film and vacuum applied. Vacuum bagging will then allow uniform pressure to force
the resin into the bleeder over a longer period of time resulting in a lighter finished part. Vacuum is created in the
bag to remove air, reducing bubbles, and other voids. Then pressure is applied outside the bag to increase the
compression of the laminate and improve material cohesion and mechanical properties.

2.2.3. Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM)

Vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) is a widely used process for developing fiber-filled
polymer composite laminates. This process is a closed-mold process with reduced volatile organic compounds
emissions, which adds the advantage of high quality, repeatability, and easy handling to the resin transfer molding
process with the adaptability of open-mold hand layup processing. VARTM has a significant role in creating the
quality and intricacy of broad closed-mold fiber-reinforced composite materials [24].

The composite sample was fabricated via VARTM. Vaccum and resin lines are carefully selected in order
for the resin to flow with least resistance. Saturated Polyester resin is used for this study. The laminated layers of
fiberglass and abaca fibers are covered with a vacuum bag with the resin line, vacuum line and vacuum pump
attached. Once the vacuum infusion starts, the resin will enter the laminated layers at a fixed point (or points).

3. Testing and Characterization of Composites

The following equipment were used for composite testing and characterization: Scanning Electron
Microscopy (SEM), Universal Testing Machine (UTM), Contact Angle Goniometer

3.1. Mechanical Properties

Tensile test were carried out using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM) (Model: Shimadzu’s AGS-X series
10kN) at room temperature.

3.2. Surface Morphology

SEC Mini-SEM SNE-3200M will be used for the analysis of structure or morphology of the prepared
composites. The composites were examined at the top layer and cross-section with different magnifications: x60,
and x150.

3.3. Wettability

Goniometer from Mapua University will be used in determining the wetting ability of the fiber-reinforced
composite surfaces.

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 4. Results and Discussions

4.1 Tensile Properties

The three different composite specimens fabricated in different methods are tested in the universal testing
machine to find the tensile properties. A summary of results is shown in Table 1 for comparison. Figure 1 shows the
results of tensile test performed on 3 categories of composites.

From the results, it can be clearly seen that the VARTM composite sample has the highest tensile strength
with 108.675 N/mm2 compared to the other two samples. This signifies that the tensile properties of the composite
improve with the fiber-resin ratio mixture. The results also show that the maximum force applied and displacement
for the hand layup composite sample is high which makes it to have a minim tensile strength. For all fabricated
composites, the hand layup composite can withstand more strains compared to the other composite samples before
failure. Vacuum bagging composite sample also show similar pattern with the fiber-resin content.

The tensile modulus is calculated by taking the corresponding values of stress and strain from the table. The
stress increases linearly with respect to strain for all the composites. The tensile modulus of VARTM sample is
notably higher than the corresponding samples in other methods. The results could be said due to the adhesion of
fiber and resin volume fraction. The effective stress transfer in the tensile direction between the fiber and matrix is
supported by the high stress values obtained in the test. In terms of maximum displacement, hand layup exhibits
higher displacement.

With respect to the orientation, optimum delamination properties can be obtained when fibers are arranged
parallel to each other. The composition of the abaca fibers influence the delamination properties to a great extent.

TABLE 1. RESULT OF TENSILE TESTOF DIFFERENT FIBER COMPOSITE FABRICATION

Method Sample Max. Force Displacement Max. Stress Max. Strain % Tensile Modulus
(N) (mm) (N/mm2) (N/mm2 / MPa)
Hand Layup 290.745 2.53493 74.5499 6.33733 11.76361
Vacuum Bagging 190.115 1.92990 95.0576 4.82475 19.70208
VARTM 163.013 1.36857 108.675 3.42142 31.76313

Tensile Test
120
100
80
60
Stress N/mm^2

40
Figure 1. Result of Tensile Test (left) Force
20 Ultimate Tensile vs. Displacement Graph (right) Graph of
0 Strength Ultimate Tensile Strength and Tensile
p g M Column1 Modulus
yu g in RT
La ag VA
nd B
Ha um 4.2 Morphological Analysis (SEM)
a cu
V The morphological analysis of the
Method tested samples is performed using Scanning
Electron Microscope. Each samples were
coated with a layer of gold using an ion-

sputter device and then were analyzed using SEM. The surface and cross-section morphology for each specimen is
shown in Figure 2.

Bulk fibers can be seen in Fig. 2a. There are is no sign of separation in the bonding between the fiber and
the resin. The non-uniformity breakage of the composite, shown in Fig. 2b, can be said that there the shear force was
not uniformly distributed. The uneven distribution of the forces in the fibers causes them to break at distinct
location.

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 A void can be seen in the surface of vacuum bagging composite in Fig. 2c. This formation is unavoidable in
the fabrication process. The process formed bubbles thus leading to voids. The presence of such voids tends to
decrease the strength of the composite. In its cross section view, shown in Fig. 2d, voids are also present. However,
the fiber orientation of the composite shown uniformity of shear force. This could be said that delamination of the
composite is greatly influenced by the abaca fibers.

In Fig. 2e, the VARTM composite shows a smooth surface. This could be said that the composite exhibits
uniform properties. However in the cross-section view, it also shows even breakage of fibers shown in Fig. 3f.
Among the composites, however, VARTM composite sample shows no formation of bubbles nor voids.

a) b)
Fiber

Resin
Fiber

c) d)

Fiber
e) f)
Resin
Resin

Void

Fiber
Void

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 Figure 2. SEM images of a) surface and b) cross section views of Hand Layup; c) surface and d) cross-section view
of Vacuum Bagging; e) surface and f) cross-section of VARTM sample

4.3 Morphological Analysis (Contact Angle)

The wettability of the composite samples were obtained using a Contact Angle Goniometer. A summarized
result is shown in Table 2 and Fig. 4.

From the obtained results, all samples exhibits hydrophilic properties. However, the VARTM composite
exhibits more hydrophobic properties compared with the other two samples. The smoothness of its surface shown in
Fig. 2c supports the uniform properties of its fiber-resin mixture. This clearly shows that there is little to no bubble
formation and voids upon its process.

The Hand layup composite shows hydrophilic properties despite its fiber-resin matrix ratio. The bulk fibers
on the surface contributes to its wettability.

Similar to hand layup composite sample, the vacuum bagging composite sample also exhibits
hydrophilicity due to the formation of voids in its layers and surface.

TABLE 2. CONTACT ANGLES OBTAINED FROM DIFFERENT COMPOSITE FABRICATION

Method Sample Contact Angles (degrees)

Hand Layup 63.54204448 ± 0.157
Vacuum Bagging 67.45627365 ± 1.072
VARTM 73.71006285 ± 0.619

GRAPH OF CONTACT ANGLE

Figure 4. Graph of Contact Angle
80 73.71
63.54 67.46
70
60
Contact Angle

50 5. Potential Applications
40
30 The natural fiber composites can
20 be very cost effective material
10 for following applications:
0
Hand Layup Vacuum Bagging VARTM 0
Building and construction
Process Type industry: panels for partition and
false ceiling, partition boards,
CA MEAN Linear (CA MEAN) wall, floor, window and door
frames, roof tiles, mobile or pre-
fabricated buildings which can be used in times of natural calamities such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes, etc.

• Storage devices: post-boxes, grain storage silos, bio-gas containers, etc.

• Furniture: chair, table, shower, bath units, etc.

• Electric devices: electrical appliances, pipes, etc.

• Everyday applications: lampshades, suitcases, helmets, etc.

• Transportation: automobile and railway coach interior, boat, etc

6. Conclusion

From the above results, the following points can be inferred:

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  In tensile test, VARTM composite sample exhibits better tensile properties. It exhibited higher tensile
strength than the other two composite samples. VARTM shows minimum strain with maximum stress.
 In surface morphology, VARTM composite shows no bubble formation nor voids but also shows distributed
uniform properties in its surface and layers.
 In wettability analysis, all composite samples shows hydrophilicity. However, the VARTM composite
shows more hydrophobic properties.
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