Short Hybrid Natural Fiber Composites Effect on Flexural Properties

Utilization of Natural fibers has received more attention all over the world from researchers. These natural fibers offer number of advantages over traditional synthetic fibers such as glass in plastics due to their low cost, low density, acceptable specific strength, good thermal insulation properties, reduced tool wear and renewable resource. The concept of hybridization gives flexibility to the design engineer to enhance mechanical properties of composites as per requirements is the major advantage. In the present work, Kenaf and Hibiscus cannabinus fibers were used as the reinforcing material, since they are abundant in nature and have minimal effect on the environment because of their biodegradable properties. The short hybrid laminas are prepared by 4mm and 8mm length of Treated and Untreated fibers with general purpose iso-opthalic resin as matrix phase. The flexural strength (FS) flexural modulus (FM) and Water Absorption (WA) of the laminas are determined by using as per ASTM test methods. The results shows that treated fibers have higher flexural strength and flexural modulus and short fibers of 4mm length are even more superior to longer composite laminas.