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Abstract

The factors that influence in-plane mechanical responses and mode I interlaminar fracture toughness of stitched unidirectional sisal/epoxy laminates were studied in this paper. It was found that in-plane strength and stiffness of the laminates were not significantly affected by the stitching threads, while the interlaminar toughness was greatly improved, especially at higher sisal content. Unlike glass fiber reinforced polymer composites, sisal laminates have a rather high tolerance against the damages induced by stitching process. In addition, stitching expanded the fiber bridging zone and determined the R-curve profiles of sisal laminates. Factors including stitching density, diameter and species of stitching thread, continuity of stitching, and modification methods of sisal, were proved to greatly influence the delamination resistance of the laminates.

Keywords

sisal stitching interlaminar fracture toughness in-plane mechanical properties natural fibers

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Effect of Stitching on In-Plane and Interlaminar Properties of Sisal/Epoxy Laminates

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