Mechanical Properties and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis of Thermoplastic-Natural Fiber/Glass Reinforced Composites

The mechanical properties and dynamic behavior of thermoplastic composites based on polypropylene/glass fibers and polypropylene/natural fibers (i.e. kenaf, hemp, flax) are presented. A survey is given on some aspects, crucial for the use of these composites in structural and non-structural components such as their vibration-damping response, in relation to the composite compaction level and the manufacturing procedure. In order to investigate a wide vibration frequency range, including acoustic frequencies, different testing techniques, both with forced and free vibrations, were applied. A comparison between natural fiber and glass fiber reinforced laminates is presented. Compaction levels, allowing to obtain the best compromise between mechanical performance and damping response, are investigated.