Development of green composites reinforced with ramie fabrics: Effect of aging on mechanical properties of coated and uncoated specimens

Bio-polymers have already penetrated in a great number of industries such as packaging and automotive in which they typically target the eco-minded consumers. Following that lead, novel green composites were prepared by resin transfer molding (RTM) and tested. Mechanical properties of ramie/bio-polyester composites were investigated in different fiber loadings. The results indicate that the flexural strength can be increased up to 138 % while tensile strength improved up to 31 %. The Young's and bending moduli have also been increased up to 26 and 79 % respectively by the presence of the fiber fabrics. Environmental degradation tests have been performed on a set of coated and uncoated specimens. It is envisaged that an appropriate coating on the composite surfaces can preserve the durability properties under the range of exposure conditions examined by this study.