Production of natural fibre reinforced composites (NFRCs), such as kenaf/PE, RH/PE, wool/PE, Kenaf/PP, RH/PP or wool/PP, have been the main research activity for the development of composites in the last decade. However, in order to enhance the value of promoting these materials based on their environmental benefits, the recyclability of these materials needs to be systematically studied to understand the change of material behaviours (mechanical and functional) due to the repeat of manufacturing processes. It is intended in this project to study the characteristics of these materials for up to 6 processing (one original plus five recycling) cycles through extrusion and injection moulding. Mechanical and flammability properties will be experimentally obtained to outline the trend of material behavioural changes.
Undergraduate
The expected outcome of this project is to identify the effects of recycling on the resulting properties of NFRCs and the better matrix/reinforcement combinations in terms of properties after recyclin.
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CACM - Strength of Materials Lab (Newmarket 902 Lvl 3, Lab)