A Comparison Process Between Wet Lay-Up, Single Vacuum Bagging and Double Vacuum Bagging Toward Natural Fibre (Palm, Coconut and Kenaf) Reinforced Epoxy Composite Laminates
Journal
Fibers and Polymers
ISSN
12299197
Date Issued
2023-06-01
Author(s)
Zakaria M.R.
Ahmad Thirmizir M.Z.
Zainol Abidin M.S.
Md Akil H.
Anjang Ab Rahman A.
Nosbi N.
Ab Ghafar N.
DOI
10.1007/s12221-023-00204-w
Abstract
The mechanical properties of palm, coconut, and kenaf fibre-reinforced epoxy composite laminates were evaluated using tensile (ASTM D3039) and flexural (ASTM D790) tests. The laminates were fabricated using different methods such as double vacuum bagging, single vacuum bagging, and wet lay-up. Results indicate that double vacuum bagging produced superior mechanical properties (up to 54.12% higher flexural modulus) compared to single vacuum bagging and wet lay-up methods. SEM images showed complete impregnation of fibres and a good interface between fibre and matrix in the composites produced via the double vacuum bagging method. This process creates a denser sample and allows the resin to penetrate the plies and core, eliminating voids in the laminate structure. Additionally, kenaf fibre-reinforced epoxy composite laminates exhibited higher mechanical properties (up to 104.82% higher tensile strength) compared to palm and coconut fibre-reinforced epoxy composite laminates.
Funding(s)
Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia
Subjects
File(s)