Effect of fiber weight fraction on mechanical properties of hemp, jute, bamboo epoxy composite

Natural fiber–reinforced composites have attracted growing attention for their potential in lightweight structural applications, particularly in the automotive, aerospace, and construction industries. This study focuses on the fabrication of biocomposites using varying weight fractions of fibers (hemp, jute, and bamboo) reinforced with epoxy resin, through the hand lay-up method. The tensile, flexural, impact, and wear rate testing were conducted on the fabricated specimens. The results demonstrated that the incorporation of natural fibers into the epoxy matrix significantly improves mechanical and tribological characteristics for all fiber weight ratios. The highest performance was observed at a 15 wt% fiber content, with tensile strength reaching 54.27 MPa, flexural strength at 158.5 MPa, impact strength of 11.85 kJ/m2, and a specific wear rate of 18.24 × 10−8 m³/Nm. Overall, the discrepancies between the ANSYS results and experimental data range from 2% to 5%, confirming the reliability and robustness of the finite element analysis methodology in predicting the mechanical properties of natural fiber–reinforced hybrid composites. These notable enhancements suggest that the eco-friendly hybrid composite could serve as a sustainable alternative for automotive components such as dashboards, windows, and other interior parts, offering a viable replacement for conventional materials.