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Examining the Mechanical and Thermomechanical Properties of Polymethylmethacrylate Composites Reinforced with Nettle Fibres

  • Research Article - Mechanical Engineering
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Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the mechanical and thermomechanical properties of nettle fibre-reinforced polymethylmethacrylate composites. The polymethylmethacrylate composites reinforced with nettle fibres were manufactured using nettle fibres obtained using the natural methods. The nettle fibre contents were 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 Vf %. The composites so formed were characterized in terms of their mechanical and thermomechanical properties. The mechanical properties of nettle-reinforced composites were characterized in terms of bending stress, bending modulus, impact strength, and fracture toughness tests, whilst their behaviour was determined by heat deviation temperature and Vicat softening temperature. The micro-mechanisms underlying the toughening and fracture processes were observed in the light of studies of the microstructure of fractures. From the mechanical properties of composites reinforced with 10% nettle fibres, an increase of 75% in bending stress, 40% in impact strength, and 106% in fracture toughness was recorded. The findings show that nettle fibres can be used as an important reinforcement material for environmentally friendly composite applications.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge the support of Giresun University’s Scientific Research Projects Office (FEN-BAP-A-250414-76).

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  1. Technical Sciences Vocational High School, Giresun University, Gazipaşa Campus, 28100, Merkez, Giresun, Turkey

    Kenan Büyükkaya

  2. Department of Material Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Marmara University, Göztepe Campus, 34722, Kadıköy, Istanbul, Turkey

    Halil Demirer

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  1. Kenan Büyükkaya
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Büyükkaya, K., Demirer, H. Examining the Mechanical and Thermomechanical Properties of Polymethylmethacrylate Composites Reinforced with Nettle Fibres. Arab J Sci Eng 45, 665–674 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-019-04136-7

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