Use of fiberglass/epoxy and hemp/bioepoxy in a structural component: an assessment

Biocomposite materials are often considered in substitution of fiberglass reinforced (FGR) polymers, especially thanks to the lower costs and environmental impact of the natural fibers. In this work, beams with the function of wing spar, for small aeronautic structure, have been chosen to compare both performance and manufacturing issues characteristics of the two different kind of laminates. After a preliminary analysis of the materials, four spars were manufactured and were subjected to static and to failure mechanical tests. The microstructure of the composite spars was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The most relevant differences resulted related to the resin retention, which is higher in the case of the hemp fibers, and to the fiber-resin interactions, affecting the failure modes.