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Investigation of the Fracture Behavior of Alfa/Polyester Composite Using Experimental and Finite Element Methods

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Abstract

The importance of creating and using green items made of natural fibers and natural fiber composites rather than conventional goods has increased as awareness of sustainability has grown. Stipa tenacissima L., often known as alfa grass, is a tussock grass that is endemic to North Africa and southern Europe. In this work, alfa fiber is used as reinforcement. This study investigated the effects of atmospheric aging through three months on the mechanical properties of alfa fibers composites. Short fibers/polyester composites have been synthesized and characterized successfully with various reinforced ratios of natural fibers (i.e., 0, 10, 20 and 30 wt.%). Using experimental and finite element approaches, this work aims to investigate the fracture analysis of composite materials. The critical stress intensity factor (KIC) and J-integral have been evaluated. The results showed that the alfa coarse fibers with 30 wt.% were capable to enhance the mechanical properties of the polyester/alfa composite. This investigation also revealed that the mechanical properties of composite were notably deteriorated regarding the relative atmospheric aging.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research Algeria (www.mesrs.dz). The authors extend their appreciation to Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Mascara, Algeria and E-BAG Company, Mascara, Algeria

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Mustafa Stambouli, Route de Mamounia, BP 305, Mascara, Algeria

    Mokhtar Belkacem, Mokhtar Khaldi, Ahmed Bensari & Said Touhami

  2. LMPM, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Sidi Bel Abbes, Cité Ben M’hidi, BP 89, 22000, Sidi Bel Abbès, Algeria

    Sidi Mohamed Fekih & Mohammed Mokhtar Bouziane

  3. Department of Hydraulic and Civil Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University Dr Moulay Tahar of Saida, Saida, Algeria

    Mohammed Mokhtar Bouziane

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  1. Mokhtar Belkacem
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  2. Sidi Mohamed Fekih
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  3. Mokhtar Khaldi
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  4. Mohammed Mokhtar Bouziane
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  5. Ahmed Bensari
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Correspondence to Mohammed Mokhtar Bouziane.

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Belkacem, M., Fekih, S.M., Khaldi, M. et al. Investigation of the Fracture Behavior of Alfa/Polyester Composite Using Experimental and Finite Element Methods. J Fail. Anal. and Preven. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11668-024-01933-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11668-024-01933-7

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