Impact Behavior Analysis of Luffa/Epoxy Composites Under Low-Velocity Loading

Luffa cylindrical (LC) has an exceptionally multipartite architecture, a hierarchical and light structure, and a low density. Such a structure is potentially suitable to replace conventional porous-type composites for low-energy absorption and material reinforcement applications. This paper presents an experimental study of the impact behavior of four different luffa/epoxy composites, named (A), (B), (C), and (D) subjected to low-velocity impact (LVI) at energies ranging from barely visible impact damage (BVID) to perforation (5,15, and 20J). Acoustic emission (AE), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and digital image correlation (DIC) were introduced to the indentation test to offer additional information on damage mechanisms and on strain and displacement fields since the LVI test has a short duration and real-time damage monitoring is not always achievable. The results showed that the values of the peak force of laminates (A), (B), and (D) are relatively lower compared to laminates (C). In the case of perforation impact energy (20J), the Coefficients of Restitution (CoR) of composites (A), (B), and (D) are equal to 0, which indicates that the nature of the impact is completely plastic, except for composite (C) had a value of 0.11, and a lower degree of damage at all impact energies. Composites (C) exhibit the highest impact resistance, followed by composites (A), while composites (D) display the highest energy absorption, followed by composites (B). Multivariable statistical analysis of the AE signals identified four classes of damage: matrix cracking, fiber-matrix debonding, delamination, and fiber breakage. The damage modes found by AE are well presented and proven by SEM analysis. The luffa fiber-reinforced composite has better impact properties than other natural fiber-reinforced composites.