Characterization of mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties for long hemp fiber‐reinforced green epoxy biocomposites

Abstract Growing environmental concerns have heightened the demand for eco‐friendly materials, prompting a shift from carbon fibers and conventional polymers to recyclable biopolymer composites. Natural fibers, such as hemp, are widely incorporated into green epoxy composites to enhance performance, with applications spanning industries including transportation, aerospace, construction, energy, and shipping. The thermal and mechanical properties of hemp fiber‐reinforced green epoxy composites are essential in determining their effectiveness and broader viability. However, challenges such as limited fracture resistance, fragility, low impact strength, and fatigue resistance currently restrict their durability, particularly in demanding applications like automotive engineering. This study investigates the mechanical, thermal, fire, and morphological properties of hemp fiber‐reinforced green epoxy composites through comprehensive mechanical, thermal, and flammability testing, as well as SEM analysis to examine fiber behavior and microstructure. The use of green epoxy is also an area that was not deeply explored by the researchers. Furthermore, hemp fibers are known for their tensile strength and environmental benefits, which result in sustainable material production. Results demonstrated significant improvements in flexural strength, with values increasing from 53.654 MPa in neat epoxy to a minimum of 139.834 MPa in reinforced samples. Impact strength also improved, ranging from 4.04 to 8.26 kJ/m 2 , along with enhanced flame resistance. In conclusion, hemp fiber‐reinforced green epoxy composites showed overall performance improvements, except in tensile strength, compared to neat green epoxy samples, underscoring their potential in sustainable material applications. Highlights Hemp fiber improves green epoxy's flexural and impact strength. Enhanced flame resistance in green epoxy composites with hemp fiber. SEM analysis reveals improved fiber microstructure in composites. The flexural strength of composites exceeds neat green epoxy by 160%.

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Publication Details

Journal
Polymer Composites
Published
2025-02-12
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.29608
Citations
7
Primary Topic
Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
4.25

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article

Characterization of mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties for long hemp fiber‐reinforced green epoxy biocomposites

S.M. Sapuan, Abir Khan, Vasi Uddin Siddiqui, Abdul Halim Muhammad Firdaus et al.
7 citations
Polymer Composites
Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites
4.25
article

Characterization of mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties for long hemp fiber‐reinforced green epoxy biocomposites

S.M. Sapuan, Abir Khan, Vasi Uddin Siddiqui, Abdul Halim Muhammad Firdaus, Muhammad Adlan Azka, J. Yusuf, Abdul Habib, Mohammad Zaid Hasan, Fahd Salah Hasan Lahmdi
article en
7 citations

Abstract

Abstract Growing environmental concerns have heightened the demand for eco‐friendly materials, prompting a shift from carbon fibers and conventional polymers to recyclable biopolymer composites. Natural fibers, such as hemp, are widely incorporated into green epoxy composites to enhance performance, with applications spanning industries including transportation, aerospace, construction, energy, and shipping. The thermal and mechanical properties of hemp fiber‐reinforced green epoxy composites are essential in determining their effectiveness and broader viability. However, challenges such as limited fracture resistance, fragility, low impact strength, and fatigue resistance currently restrict their durability, particularly in demanding applications like automotive engineering. This study investigates the mechanical, thermal, fire, and morphological properties of hemp fiber‐reinforced green epoxy composites through comprehensive mechanical, thermal, and flammability testing, as well as SEM analysis to examine fiber behavior and microstructure. The use of green epoxy is also an area that was not deeply explored by the researchers. Furthermore, hemp fibers are known for their tensile strength and environmental benefits, which result in sustainable material production. Results demonstrated significant improvements in flexural strength, with values increasing from 53.654 MPa in neat epoxy to a minimum of 139.834 MPa in reinforced samples. Impact strength also improved, ranging from 4.04 to 8.26 kJ/m 2 , along with enhanced flame resistance. In conclusion, hemp fiber‐reinforced green epoxy composites showed overall performance improvements, except in tensile strength, compared to neat green epoxy samples, underscoring their potential in sustainable material applications. Highlights Hemp fiber improves green epoxy's flexural and impact strength. Enhanced flame resistance in green epoxy composites with hemp fiber. SEM analysis reveals improved fiber microstructure in composites. The flexural strength of composites exceeds neat green epoxy by 160%.

Polymer CompositesVol. 46(11)
Universiti Putra Malaysia (MY), National Institute of Textile Engineering and Research, Bangladesh University of Textiles (BD)
Universiti Putra Malaysia
Openalex Percentile: Top 6%
Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites
4.25
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