DEVELOPMENT AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF EPOXY-BASED HYBRID COMPOSITES FOR SUSTAINABLE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT IN AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATION

Abstract

This study aimed to develop and evaluate epoxy-based hybrid composites for sustainable helmet manufacturing, with a focus on protective equipment in industry. The hybrid composites incorporated jute, E-glass, and Prosopis juliflora fibers within an epoxy matrix, optimizing fiber configurations to enhance mechanical performance. Three distinct samples were fabricated using the hand lay-up technique: jute + glass + jute (Sample 1), glass + jute + glass (Sample 2), and glass + jute + Prosopis juliflora + glass (Sample 3). Mechanical testing, including tensile, flexural, and impact strength evaluations, was conducted according to ASTM standards. The results showed that Sample 3 exhibited the highest mechanical performance, achieving a tensile strength of 165.78 ± 1.20 MPa, a flexural strength of 311.6 ± 5.11 MPa, and an impact strength of 22 ± 2 J. The inclusion of Prosopis juliflora fibers significantly improved energy absorption and overall stiffness, making the composite suitable for applications requiring high-impact resistance, such as helmets. Furthermore, this hybrid composite demonstrated compatibility with electronic devices, addressing the increasing need for protective gear that accommodates integrated technology. This study demonstrated that the optimized hybrid composite configuration not only enhanced the mechanical properties of a helmet but also provided an eco-friendly solution for sustainable manufacturing. The findings contribute to the advancements in hybrid composite design, providing a potential pathway for the development of high-performance protective gear in various industries.