Fiber loading of date palm and kenaf reinforced epoxy composites: tensile, impact and morphological properties

Abstract

Date palm fiber (DPF) and kenaf fiber were reinforced in epoxy having various fiber loading 40%, 50%, and 60% by weight. These hybrid samples were manufactured by hot press technique and then characterized for tensile, impact, and morphological behavior to evaluate the ratio of fibers in the hybrid composites; the addition of kenaf improved the tensile properties, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed the interfacial bonding of fiber/matrix, and dispersion and void content in composites. Impact test studies reflected the effect of natural fiber with epoxy, level of stress transfer from matrix to reinforced material, and reinforced material’s role in absorbing the impacts. It showed that 50% of DPF had the best shock-absorbing capacity. The obtained results indicated that 30% DPF in hybrid composite showed improved tensile properties and homogeneous distribution of fiber without void content; however, 50% DPF loading in hybrid composites had the best impact properties.