| Abstract Scope |
Composites reinforced with natural fibers have been increasingly used in important industrial sectors. In addition to its natural advantages, these composites have gradually been improved, being able to match its mechanical performance to synthetic fiber composites in some applications, such as the intermediate layer in individual ballistic armor. In particular, the hemp fiber (Cannabis ruderalis), although extensively used in fabrics, has yet scarce application in engineering polymer composites. Thus, this paper analyzed hemp fabric epoxy matrix composites reinforced by this material. Composites were manufactured with different volume fractions, 10, 20 and 30% vol., and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to thermally characterize this material. Based on the results, it was indicated a loss of thermal stability for composites reinforced with 10 and 20 vol% of hemp fabric. The 30 vol% reinforced composites showed an increase on the maximum degradation temperature (344.9 °C) compared to the neat hemp fabric (340.7 °C). |