Experimental Investigation on Mechanical and Water Absorption Properties of Kenaf/Glass fiber Hybrid Composites

Abstract

The awareness towards reducing the cost of production and harmful destruction in the environment are the major concern in many industries. In recent days, the natural fibers become attractive in major industries. The natural fiber reinforced composites has procured the attention of industrialists and scientists for the application in automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, building and construction and for many other structural applications. It offers many benefits mainly low cost, light weight, renewable and biodegradable. The materials made using synthetic FRP composites which is used in many applications are getting declined due to their adverse environmental impact, higher initial costs and their use in non efficient structural forms. Kenaf fiber which is obtained from the stem of kenaf plant is used. Kenaf fiber consists of robust mechanical property which is considered as an extremely valuable natural fiber. The work investigates the Mechanical properties and water absorption behaviour of dedicated kenaf laminate and kenaf/glass fiber hybrid composites. The major drawbacks in natural fiber are its resin incompatibility and water absorption. Surface treatment of fiber is made to improve the interfacial bonding between the fiber and resin and to reduce the moisture absorption. Laminates are fabricated using Hand lay-up technique. Mechanical properties such as tensile, impact and flexural test for Natural kenaf and kenaf/glass hybrid laminates were obtained. Samples preparation and Mechanical property testing were carried out as per ASTM standards.