Mechanical Properties of Continuous Natural Fibres (Jute, Hemp, Flax) Reinforced Polypropylene Composites Modified with Hollow Glass Microspheres

Natural fibre reinforced polymer (NFRP) composites are emerging as a viable alternative to metal parts for lightweight components in the automotive and aerospace industry. They are economical and eco-friendly, but their use is confined due to their performance properties. Currently, fillers are often incorporated in NFRP composites to modify their properties. This study explores the reinforcing effects of hollow glass microspheres (HGM) as fillers in continuous NFRP composites. Continuous NFRP laminates were fabricated using woven fabrics (jute, hemp, flax, polypropylene) and HGM with compression moulding. Tensile, flexural and impact tests were conducted to investigate the influence of HGM on the mechanical properties of these laminates. The results indicate that the loading of 1.5 % HGM improves the tensile and flexural properties, but further addition of HGM (3 %) leads to a decline in these properties; furthermore, the impact strength was significantly improved (17 %, 8 %, 24 %) in jute, hemp and flax laminates, respectively by the addition of 3 % HGM.