Performance of Kenaf Non-woven Mat/PLA Biocomposites under Medium Velocity Impact

Focus on biofibre-reinforced biopolymer composites as sustainable alternatives to non-biodegradable composites in high-performance applications is increasing. This work focused on characterising the performance of kenaf non-woven mat/PLA biocomposites under medium velocity impact loads. Biocomposite laminates of different fibre contents were fabricated and then analysed for their resistance to medium velocity impact on a high speed gas gun. The perforation threshold limit was determined and impact-induced damages analysed using non-destructive techniques. Results showed that kenaf non-woven mat/PLA biocomposites have a perforation threshold limit of 26 m/s and doubling of fibre content improved the perforation threshold limit by 42.3 %. The impact damage resistance of kenaf non-woven mat/PLA biocomposites increased by 27.6 % when fibre content was doubled. The failure modes resembled that of some conventional fibre-reinforced composites. It was concluded that kenaf non-woven mat/PLA biocomposites have a potential to cushion against medium velocity impacts and hence could be good replacements for the non-biodegradable composites used for cushioning against secondary debris in the medium velocity range.