Performance of high strength natural fiber reinforced hybrid composites for structural engineering applications

Abstract Natural fiber composites are increasingly recognized as a viable alternative to synthetic fiber composites, utilizing materials like flax, hemp, jute, bamboo, and sisal to reinforce polymer matrices. Their eco-friendly nature has garnered attention, presenting a sustainable option in various applications. In structural engineering, these composites find utility in beams, columns, and trusses. This study focuses on investigating the mechanical properties, wear resistance, and water absorption behavior of hybrid composites reinforced with hemp/glass, kenaf/glass, flax/glass, and sisal/glass fibers. The fabrication process involved hand layup techniques to create four distinct composite types using hemp, kenaf, flax, and sisal fibers. To enhance mechanical properties, wear and water resistance, glass fibers were incorporated in the composites. The evaluation of mechanical properties, including hardness, tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength, compression strength, wear resistance, and water absorption behavior, was conducted according to ASTM standards. The findings reveal that the kenaf/glass fiber reinforced hybrid composite demonstrates favorable mechanical properties, minimal wear rate, and high water resistance. Given its performance, the kenaf/glass fiber composite emerges as a promising candidate for structural engineering applications.