In-line monitoring of jute fiber-reinforced polylactic acid composite subjected to impact loading by using infrared thermography

The polylactic acid (PLA) is receiving ever more attention from both the academic and the industrial communities because it is green, bio, and well complies with the actual requirements of safety at work rules and environmental safeguard as well. However, a main question may arise regarding the suitability of PLA to replace conventional plastics. A response requires complete material characterization, its performance is service and its resistance to impact load. This of course demands for efforts from researchers with different expertise through the world. This work is focused on monitoring with infrared thermography the impact damaging of a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix reinforced with jute fibers. As a main result, the visualization of thermal signatures developing under impact supplies information useful to understand the material impact damaging mechanisms such as: formation of cracks and their propagation and the overall extension of damage.