Experimental Testing on Mechanical Properties of Various Natural Fibers Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composites

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanical and morphological characteristics of various bio fibers reinforced epoxy hybrid composites. Various bio fibers such as snake grass, hemp, banana, bamboo, sansevieria, ramie, sisal, jute, flax, pineapple and kenaf fibers are used as reinforcements in polymer composites and appear more attractive due to their bio degradability, low density, recyclability, easily availability and less CO2 emission. Methods: The hybrid composites reinforced with flax, kenaf, pineapple and sisal fibers were fabricated using a compression molding technique with weight ratio of fiber to resign as 40 : 60 and tested for mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural and impact strength. Findings: Among the different hybrid composites, flax/kenaf/epoxy composite produced better tensile, impact and flexural strength. SEM analysis of the fracture surface indicated that flax/kenaf/epoxy was produced without creating porosity which showed homogeneous distribution of fibers and matrix with better bonding which play an important role in improving the mechanical properties of composites. Keywords: Epoxy, Flax, Kenaf, Pineapple, Sisal