Improved mechanical properties of natural-synthetic hybrid composites

Abstract

Hardness This study is an attempt to utilize sugarcane bagasse (natural fiber) with glass fiber (synthetic fiber) to fabricate new types of hybrid composites. To explore the best mechanical properties, six composites with different layering sequence and different fibers amounts were fabricated via hand lay-up method. The tensile, impact, flexural and hardness properties were compared. Scanning electron microscopy was used to adapt to analyze the hybrid natural composite specimens' damage. Results revealed that the tensile, impact, flexural and hardness properties of sugarcane bagasse/polyester composites can be enhanced by its hybridization with glass fiber reinforcement. Different Layering configurations and the relative fiber amounts have noticeable impacts on the mechanical properties.