Analysis of Mechanical Properties of Kenaf and Kapok Fiber Reinforced Hybrid Polyester Composite

Abstract

Natural fiber reinforced hybrid polymer composites have attracted many researchers’ attention compared to synthetic fiber composites due to their better mechanical properties. Besides being inexpensive, natural fibers are eco-friendly. In the literature, kenaf fiber has shown an enormous future for its suitability in technical applications. The present studies explore the mechanical properties of kenaf and kapok fiber reinforced hybrid polyester composites. The composites are prepared by simple hand lay-up technique. The test specimens were prepared according to ASTM standards and the tensile, bending, and impact strength was evaluated experimentally. The result shows that composite with equal contribution of kenaf and kapok fiber reinforcement has tensile and impact strength of 25.25 ± 4.29 MPa and 46.65 ± 0.01 KJ/m2 respectively. As the kapok fiber content increases the bending strength and bending modulus of composites decrease. The results show that the tensile and impact strength of hybrid composites has improved considerably compared to neat kapok composites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was carried out to examine the fractured surfaces of tested specimens.