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Chapter 12
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-7530-8.ch012
Simulation of Fragmentation
Technique Using
ANSYS Software
ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the proposal of fragmentation test and its simulation using ANSYS software ow-
ing to understand the interfacial adhesion of natural fbre with synthetic matrix. Date palm fbres and
epoxy materials are selected for the study. The infuence of NaOH concentration and fbre diameter on
the interfacial adhesion of the fbre with the epoxy are studied. The results indicated that the addition of
the fbre to the matrix signifcantly improved the mechanical properties of the composites. However, an
optimum value for the chemical concentration and the fbre diameters should be considered in develop-
ing such materials. High NaOH concentration deteriorates the tensile strength of the fbre. Meanwhile,
low NaOH concentration exhibits poor interfacial adhesion.
1. INTRODUCTION
In the recent years, the awareness of environmental
protection is the concern of many engineers and
researchers. Thus, the importance of alternative,
sustainable materials and renewable technologies
should no longer be a debating topic, (Hawken,
Lovins, & Lovins, 2010; Michaelides, 2011).
There are many ways to contribute to this paradigm
shift. One of these ways is to develop composite
materials as an alternative for metallic and non-
metallic materials for the industrial applications.
Scientist and engineers have effectively explored
opportunities to develop sustainable polymer
composites which were taken to minimize the envi-
ronmental impact and to overcome the dependence
petroleum resources, (Lepech, 2009; Silva, Alves,
Ferreira, Oliveira, Reys, Ferreira, Sousa, Silva,
Mano, & Reis, 2012). Recently, after the notice-
able advancement of materials’ research and the
Abdarazag Hassan
University Southern of Queensland, Australia
J. G. Alotaibi
The Public Authority for Applied Education
and Training, Kuwait
A. Shalwan
The Public Authority for Applied Education
and Training, Kuwait
B. F. Yousif
University Southern of Queensland, Australia