Fabrication and Estimation of Mechanical Properties of Composites with Varying Proportions of Carbon and Kenaf Reinforcement

Abstract

Composites are preferred due to their unique ability of being lighter as well as possessing good mechanical properties. On the other hand, the need of the hour is sustainable development. This article aims to combine the properties of composites with the eco-friendly concept of sustainable development and also to find the right mix of artificial and natural reinforcement fibers, such that the mechanical properties are not affected, and the composites can still be functional while being eco-friendly. Three different specimens with varying proportions of Carbon fiber and Kenaf fiber as reinforcement and Polyester resin as the matrix were fabricated. Vacuum Infusion Moulding was used as the method of fabrication. In the fabricated specimen Tensile, Flexural, Impact, Hardness and Water Absorption tests were performed to evaluate their mechanical properties. The results were tabulated and compared. The comparison allows us to find the optimum combination of the Carbon and Kenaf fibers which can be used without compromising on the mechanical advantages composites offers.