Abstract
This paper discusses mechanical properties of cross-ply "Green" composite material made from woven Manila hemp fibers and biodegradable polymer. The mechanical properties of the composites have been evaluated as a function of fiber content. The tensile strength increased with the fiber content until 50mass% and leveled off thereafter. This dependence on the fiber content is due to the decrease in fiber strength caused by fiber damages introduced during hot-pressing. In order to decrease the damage of fibers aligned in loading direction, the fiber sheet was produced by using hemp fibers for weft and cotton fibers for warp. As a result, the tensile strength of cross-ply composites increased from 153MPa to 171MPa.
