Mechanical performance of laminated natural fibre bio-composites and hybrids

Abstract

Composite materials are highly utilized in the current era due to their tailored specified properties, such as high strength-to-weight, corrosion resistance, inflammable properties, wear resistance and etc. Bio-composites are materials that consisted of matrix (resin) and reinforcements from natural fibres. The mechanical properties of bio composite materials, such as coir, and palm oil fibre, were analysed and evaluated. Fabrication method via combination of laminating process and compression moulding were developed and utilised to manufacture the specimens. Impact, tensile, compression and bending test were carried to evaluate the mechanical characterisation of the bio-fibre composites. However, the mechanical performance of the natural composite were found to be inferior to that of conventional glass fibre composites. Hybridization of natural fibre with glass fibres composite shows a significant increase in specific strength and specific modulus.