Post-Fire Mechanical Properties Of Natural And Synthetic Fibre Composites
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Date
2021-08-01
Authors
Nazri, Engku Afif Akramin Engku Muhammad
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
Sustainability is an important aspect in engineering design. Manufacturers are
looking to find more sustainable materials as an alternative to synthetic fibres in
composite. Natural fibres seem to be a great alternative to replace synthetic fibres in
composite materials applications. However, the mechanical properties of the composite
materials after exposure to fire needs to be considered in the design process. This study
fills the research gap whereby the post-fire mechanical properties of natural fibre
reinforced polyester and glass fibre reinforced polyester can be compared and analysed.
In this study, jute fibre reinforced polyester and glass fibre reinforced polyester are
fabricated by using wet hand layup method. Then, the physical appearance of the two
composites after exposing it to fire for a certain duration are investigated and lastly the
mechanical properties of room temperature and post-fire composites are compared by
running a tensile test. The result of the study shows that in general, when exposed to
fire for a short duration only, the composite retains most of its tensile properties with
slight burn on the surface. But after exposing it to fire for a longer period, the resin is
completely burnt, and the fibre is exposed to fire. This further decreases the mechanical
properties of the composites. From the study, it can be stated E-glass fibre has better
fire performance than jute fibre polyester composite.