Impact Resistance and Failure Analysis of Bio-Composite Materials
Sr. Gr. Lecturer, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Government Polytechnic, Kushal Nagar, Karnataka India.\
Research Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2020, 05(02), 204-212
Publication history:
Received on 09 February 2020; revised on 19 February 2020; accepted on 28 February 2020
Abstract:
Bio-composite materials reinforced with natural fibers have gained significant attention as sustainable alternatives to conventional synthetic composites due to their renewability, low density, reduced environmental impact, and competitive mechanical performance. Among the various mechanical properties, impact resistance is a critical parameter governing the applicability of bio-composites in structures subjected to dynamic and accidental loading conditions. This research article presents a comprehensive investigation into the impact resistance and failure mechanisms of bio-composite materials reinforced with natural fibers such as flax, hemp, jute, sisal, and kenaf combined with thermoset and thermoplastic matrices. The study discusses the influence of material characteristics, fiber architecture, fiber–matrix interfacial bonding, moisture absorption, and strain-rate sensitivity on impact behavior. Standardized low-velocity and high-velocity impact testing methodologies are reviewed, along with advanced non-destructive evaluation and microscopic characterization techniques used to analyze damage initiation and evolution. Typical failure modes including matrix cracking, fiber breakage, delamination, and fiber–matrix debonding are examined in detail. Computational modeling approaches, including finite element analysis, cohesive zone modeling, and multi-scale simulations, are also discussed to highlight their role in predicting impact response and guiding material design. The findings indicate that properly engineered bio-composites can achieve impact energy absorption comparable to glass fiber composites, making them suitable for automotive, construction, and consumer product applications. This work provides valuable insights into the design, characterization, and optimization of impact-resistant bio-composite materials and supports their broader adoption in sustainable engineering applications.
Keywords:
Bio-composites; Natural fiber reinforced composites; Impact resistance; Failure analysis; Low-velocity impact; Damage mechanisms; Energy absorption; Finite element modeling; Sustainable materials; Green composites
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Copyright © 2020 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0