Effects of orientation state of short natural fiber on mechanical properties in polypropylene-bamboo based composite by experimental and computational methods

© 2015, Advanced Engineering Solutions [AES.COM] Ottawa, Canada. All rights are reserved. The aim of this study is to evaluate, predict and compare the orientation state of short fibers of Guadua Angustifolia Kunth (GAK) as reinforcement in polypropylene matrix using computational methods. The samples were prepared by means of an extruder and injection processing at 30 wt. % of short bamboo fiber. Optimal parameters of injection were obtained by injection molding simulation (Moldflow Insight® and Solid Works Plastics® Software). This works reveals the effect of the orientation state of fibers on mechanical properties such as warpage and shrinkage. The orientation tensor approach and injection process simulation were employed to determine the orientation distribution of fibers. Both experimental and computational measures were carried out to determinate the value of shrinkage and warpage. The measurement error between the experimental and simulation results was 5%.