Comparative study between properties of composite polymer blend reinforced within two kinds of natural fibers

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate and compare the mechanical performance of hemp and corn husk fibers as natural reinforcements in a polymer blend matrix composed of 80% epoxy and 20% polycarbonate (PC). Composite samples were fabricated using the hand layup technique with varying fiber loadings of 2%, 4%, and 6% for each fiber type. Mechanical characteristics such as impact strength, fracture toughness, and tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and hardness were measured to assess the influence of fiber type and content. Results showed that corn husk fiber composites exhibited superior fracture toughness (up to 120.38 MPa·m^1/2 at 6%) and Young’s modulus (0.97 GPa at 6%) compared to hemp fiber composites, while both showed comparable hardness (77 HRF at 2%). SEM analysis confirmed strong interfacial adhesion between the natural fibers and the polymer matrix. Overall, the study demonstrates that corn husk fibers, despite being underutilized, offer promising reinforcement potential and can outperform conventional hemp fibers in certain mechanical aspects.