Development and mechanical testing of natural fibre reinforced polypropylene resin hybrid composite

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ABSTRACT

The term hybrid composite refers to a composite containing over one sort of fibre material as reinforcing fillers. Hybrid composites are becoming engaging structural material because of the power of providing higher combination of properties with relation to single fibre containing composite. In the current study, three different combinations of natural fibres (sisal–banana, flax–banana and sisal–flax) with polypropylene resin are developed. A hybrid composite is developed with all three different fibres studied (sisal–banana – flax). The effect of various natural fibres on the mechanical characteristics of the developed composite is assessed. The test findings for the different varieties of composite samples in terms of tensile, flexural, and impact testing are reported. It is observed from the study that the hybridisation has a substantial effect on the mechanical properties of composites, according to the composites’ characterisation. The hybrid composite developed showed the highest modulus of elasticity. The flexural load carrying capacity during three-point bending of the sisal–flax and flax–banana is found to be maximum. The hybrid composite developed showed the highest modulus of elasticity.

KEYWORDS:

• Hybrid composite
• natural fibres
• bio resin

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).