Low-velocity impact behavior of woven jute/poly(lactic acid) composites

Biocomposite laminates based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and woven jute fabric were obtained by film stacking and compression molding techniques. Sample laminates were systematically characterized by impact tests with a falling dart at impact energies equal to 5, 10 and 20 J. Tests showed that, investigated PLA/jute fabric plates suffer only barely visible damages at the first two levels of impact energy while they result to be perforated at 20 J as highlighted by photographic images taken on low and back side of impacted surfaces.