EXPLORING BIO-BASED COMPOSITES: A COMPARISON OF SHORT BEAM SHEAR STRENGTH WITH CONVENTIONAL MATERIALS

In recent years, the aerospace and automotive industry has made significant strides in adopting sustainable materials and technologies. One of the most promising developments is the increasing use of green composites, which are made from natural fibers and bio-based or recyclable resins. These green materials offer mechanical properties that rival or even exceed those of traditional composites, making them an attractive alternative for the aerospace sector. This shift is driven by industry’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, enhancing fuel efficiency, and meeting stringent environmental regulations. Green composites offer a compelling eco-friendly alternative to conventional carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP), which have been extensively used in aircraft components such as fuselage panels, wings, and interiors. CFRPs are favored for their high strength-to-weight ratio, but their production is energy-intensive and heavily reliant on finite resources. In contrast, green composites provide the same lightweight benefits while significantly reducing the environmental impact associated with their manufacturing, use, and disposal. A key factor in determining the suitability of composites for both primary and secondary aerospace structures is their interlaminar shear strength, which plays a critical role in resisting delamination and shear failure. High short beam shear strength values are essential for materials to withstand transverse loads, making them suitable for applications like access panels, fairings, and interior cabin parts. In this study, the short beam shear strength of green composites cured using a bio-based hardener, is compared with that of conventional composites. The study indicated that short beam shear strength of bio-based composite was 19% higher than conventional composites.