Title: Multiscale Analysis of Composite Panels Made from Agricultural Byproducts via VARTM

Authors: Gemma Criollo, Avishek Chanda, Muhammad Khusairy Bin Bakri, Vikram Yadama

DOI:

Abstract: The growing concern over global warming, the need to reduce reliance on petroleum-based products, and develop new markets for excess forest and agricultural wastes and byproducts have accelerated the shift toward natural fiber polymeric composites (NFPCs). Natural fibers offer distinct advantages over synthetic fibers, including low density, broad availability, and lower cost. Among the various processing methods, vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) has gained significant industrial attention due to its simplicity and compatibility with a wide range of fibers requiring minimal pretreatment. However, the use of natural fibers presents challenges. Their hydrophilic nature directly affects interfacial bonding with the polymer matrix during infiltration, while their heterogeneous properties affect processing time and composite quality. A thorough understanding of NFPC production is therefore essential to establish reliable practices and achieve consistent, high-quality composites. Additionally, the use of binder-less natural fibers in the form of loose particulates as the preform for the VARTM process is negligible in the current literature, further emphasizing the need for the current study. This work provides a systematic evaluation of both microscale and macroscale factors that govern NFPC panel production using a modified version of VARTM. At the microscale, particle morphology and surface wettability were examined. At the macroscale, fiber packing efficiency, infusion behaviors, mechanical performance, and dimensional stability of panels were evaluated. Comparison between two agricultural particulates: hazelnut shells and einkorn hulls was developed, and correlations between microscale and macroscale factors were identified. Results showed that particle morphology strongly dictated resin-particle interaction, and particulates with higher porosity exhibited longer infusion times. Wettability also proved critical, as it dictated interfacial bonding with the polymer matrix and thereby influenced the mechanical performance of the composites. Overall, this study advances biocomposites research by systematically linking microstructural characteristics to the macroscale behavior of composites. The findings offer valuable insights for developing predictive models of resin flow through natural fiber porous media that aim to enhance composite reliability and optimize large-scale panel manufacturing.

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Conference: SAMPE 2026

Publication Date: 2026/04/27

SKU: 53

Pages: 14

Price: $28.00