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Figure 4.31 Fractographs of G2/F3/G2 after impact loading

4.10 Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB)

In recent years, many researchers have extensively worked with natural fibres

due to environmental and economic concerns. However, it is inevitable with the
variability behaviour of the natural fibres and this has made difficult for them to be

used. Hence, material properties characterisation is very crucial as natural fibre

composites offer new perspectives for the structural design. In addition, it is not easy
to ensure the reproducibility of natural fibres properties because of their dependence

on various parameters, such as the grain plant origins, the type of soil they are planted

on, weather conditions and maturation of the plants [46].

In the meantime, the strain-rate effect is widely recognised as a crucial factor

influencing the mechanical properties of material. However, there are limited studies
focusing on the understanding of the correlation on how the factor interacts with the

sensitivity of the polymers, particularly in terms of the relevant mechanical properties.
This section will discuss the experimental technique using the SHPB apparatus to

perform dynamic compression testing to experimentally investigate the independent

and interactive effects of strain rates towards the mechanical properties of pure and
hybrid composites of E-glass with basalt, jute and flax fibres.

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