Mechanical characterization of novel natural fibre-reinforced composites via a three-dimensional fibre architecture

Abstract

This research focuses on the fabrication and analysis of novel natural fibre hybrid composites using two different reinforcement techniques: intralaminar reinforcement (2D) and orthogonal-through-the-thickness reinforcement (3D-OTT). Jute bidirectional fabric served as the main fibre phase, while secondary reinforcement phases (sisal, curauá, and glass fibres) were woven unidirectionally through the jute fabric for the 2D architecture (intralaminar reinforcement). For the 3D architecture, a transverse fibre phase was additionally woven orthogonally through the thickness of the fibre preforms. Pure jute and glass fibre-reinforced composites were also fabricated and tested for comparison. Tensile, flexural, and impact tests were performed to assess how the innovative 3D-OTT architecture influences in-plane composite properties. SEM analysis and X-ray microtomography were used to examine failure modes, interfacial quality and void volume fractions. The results support the viability of the novel composite materials for partial or complete substitution of glass fibre-reinforced materials (GFRP) in specific applications. For instance, curauá-reinforced specimens demonstrated comparable tensile and flexural stiffness to synthetic composites, while 3D-reinforced sisal specimens exhibited exceptional energy absorption during impact testing. Additionally, the simple fabrication process resulted in very low void fractions, making these composites suitable for the automotive industry. • Novel 3D fiber-reinforced hybrid composites were fabricated using jute bidirectional fabric as the main fiber phase with sisal, curauá, and glass fibers as secondary reinforcement phases. • Mechanical characterization of these novel materials in quasi-static tensile, flexural and impact testing. • Sisal 3D composites demonstrated superior impact absorption, highlighting their potential for dynamic loading applications. • Minimal variation (within 20%) in mechanical properties was observed between 2D and 3D composite architectures. • SEM and microCT analyses confirmed good fibre/matrix interfaces, high anisotropy, and low void fractions (below 5%).