Assessment of Shear Fracture Energy in Hybrid Composites with Natural and Synthetic Fibers

Abstract

Composite materials made with synthetic fibers are extensively employed across a diverse array of engineering structures. However, from an environmental point of view, synthetic fibers do not represent the best choice, since they are not renewable and are not biodegradable as natural fibers. This study investigates the application of adhesive joints with hybrid composites, which combine natural and synthetic fibers, as potential replacements for traditional composites made solely from synthetic fibers. The main focus is on assessing the mechanical performance of these hybrid composites through end-notched flexure (ENF) tests on adhesive joints. Four different configurations of substrates were used, two with only one type of fiber (natural or synthetic) and two hybrids. Digital image correlation (DIC) analysis was conducted to provide detailed insights into the changes in displacement fields for the different configurations tested. The results indicate that adhesive joints with hybrid composites exhibit superior shear fracture energy (GIIC) compared with the joints with purely synthetic fibers. This enhancement in fracture toughness, attributed to the synergistic effects of the natural and synthetic fibers, suggests that hybrid composites could be a viable alternative, offering potential benefits in terms of sustainability and cost without compromising mechanical performance.