Micromodeling Natural Fiber Composites: Predicting Mechanical Properties of Reinforced Thermoplastic

Abstract

Mechanical properties of natural fiber composites had been analyzed in the last two decades. However, composites are manufactured to determine their mechanical properties experimentally, since weight ratios and other factor can affect these properties. Using micromechanical models from Reuss, Voigt, Einstein, Hirsch, Halpin-Tsai and Facca modified series model can predict tensile strength. Injection molded samples were fabricated per ASTM D638 and tested using a universal testing machine. Weight ratio values of each micromechanical model from pecan shell were compared to experimental data. The predicted values from micromechanical models, were adequate to the experimental results.