The vibroisolation effectiveness of fiber reinforced natural composites compared to the elastomer materials produced from non-renewable resources

Abstract

In this work, a number of test were carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the vibroisolation composite consisting of a biodegradable polymer matrix (polylactid actid, PLA) and filler in the form of natural flax fibers, with a moisture content of 2.03% after drying in 80°C for 4 hours. To improve material dampening properties, PLA was plasticized with polyethylene glycol (PEG 400) and triethyl citrate (TEC). The flax fiber content of the composite was: 10, 20, 30 wt.%. Mechanical properties at bending and tensile were performed. For measurement of vibroisolation effectiveness, composite samples have been made the enable installation in the measurement system. The measuring system consisted of an unbalanced axial electric motor, resting on a steel frame placed on vibroisolators. For comparison the commercial grade vibroisolators were used. In order to evaluate the vibration damping of the system by vibroisolators, vibration engine frame vibration was forced by acceleration of the engine’s rotational speed to specific frequencies. It has been proven that the type of the plasticizer used in the composite changes the vibroisolation parameter. Also length and weight%. of the fibres results in lower material damping values.