Static and Dynamic Behavior of Hemp Natural Fiber Felt Biocomposites

Biocomposites are a strong alternative to synthetic fiber-reinforced composites due to their environmentally friendly nature, ease of availability, cost-effectiveness, and non-toxicity. Felt biocomposites are generally favored for their better sound and temperature absorption capabilities rather than load-bearing materials due to their comparatively weak mechanical properties. However, their mechanical performance is greatly improved when they are fabricated as plates using traditional techniques like compression molding. This study focuses on the mechanical characterization and comparison of different types of hot-pressed felt biocomposite plates with a 50% by weight natural fiber content. Four unique biocomposite felts were produced and subjected to tensile, compressive, shear, instrumented Charpy v-notched impact, and drop weight impact tests. All felt kinds are reinforced with short hemp fibers and four distinct polymers are used as matrix materials, namely, polypropylene, recycled polypropylene, polylactic acid, and low-melt polyester fiber. Static and impact tests performed on those materials revealed that each type of natural fiber felt biocomposite has its unique features, and their characterized static and impact behaviors vary significantly from one to another. Therefore, each can be an appropriate material choice in an engineering design.