Polypropylene/Hemp Fabric Reinforced Composites: Manufacturing and Mechanical Behaviour

Hemp fabric reinforced polypropylene composites have been manufactured by film stacking method and their tensile and impact properties (notched Izod and low velocity impact at energies ranging from 5 J to 15 J) studied. Despite a non optimal interface adhesion, tensile modulus has been consistently increased by reinforcing polypropylene with growing amounts of fibres, whilst the effect on tensile strength is less significant. The composites investigated showed good energy absorbing capabilities whereas SEM micrographs of fracture surfaces allowed highlighting failure modes of the composites, which included an extensive presence of fibre pull-out and debonding.