Evaluation of mechanical properties of abaca–jute–glass fibre reinforced epoxy composite

Natural fibre composites are a class of materials which are currently replacing the synthetic fibre composites for practical applications. This paper deals with the fabrication and investigation of hybrid natural fibre composites and compares it with other normal natural fibre composites like abaca and jute as reinforcements used separately. Mechanical characterization of the natural composite is obtained by testing the composite lamina for tensile, flexural, shear, and impact strength. The structure of the composite is such that, the jute fibre is present at the center flanked by abaca fibre on both sides. Glass fibre is used to laminate the composite on top and bottom, which improves the surface finish and adds strength. The natural fibres are arranged in horizontal and vertical directions to provide strength on all sides. The composite is manufactured by hand layup process and volume fraction of the fibres is up to 0.40. It is found that the abaca–jute hybrid composite has better properties than the abaca fibre alone in tensile and shear. However the abaca composite is superior to hybrid composite in flexural and impact strength. The internal structure of the composite is observed under scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the fractures, voids and fibre delamination are analyzed.