Date of Award:

5-2015

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Committee Chair(s)

Thomas H. Fronk

Committee

Thomas H. Fronk

Committee

Steve L. Folkman

Committee

Barton Smith

Abstract

Every year in the United States, 10 to 11 million vehicles reach the end of their life cycle. Nearly all of these go to a recycling facility. After the recycling process is complete an average of 25% of each vehicle, by weight, goes to waste. This demonstrates the need to use natural fibers in parts that could be recycled, like parts that can be made from kenaf. There are many reasons to consider using natural/bio-fiber composites (bio-composites). These reasons include human health and environmental factors as well as advantages that natural fibers have over fiberglass, such as: lower costs and densities, biodegradability, reduced energy consumption to produce, and a bonus advantage of sequestering carbon dioxide during its growth phase. Through better processing techniques and chemical treatments, the specific mechanical properties of natural fibers are nearing those of fiberglass, making bio-composites a viable substitute in structural applications.

This research investigates methods to process raw kenaf (hibiscus cannabinus) on a scale that allows researchers to make consistent samples for testing while also providing a means by which a complex structure can be built. The process includes a kenaf chopped strand mat (KCSM) that is formed using paper-making techniques. The samples created and tested with the KCSM offer competitive mechanical properties when compared to other kenaf-based composites. This research also demonstrates that KCSM is a product that can be easily used to make composite components. I-beam bridges are built and tested in a 3-point bend test. This is spurred on by the annual SAMPE bridge competition that includes special categories for natural fiber beams. The lay-up procedure is shown in detail to provide a framework that future competitors may use to build quality I-beams for this competition.

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