Investigation of the Effect of Fiber on the Morphological and Mechanical Properties of Chopped Cissus Quadrangularis/Sugarcane Fiber-reinforced Hybrid Composites for Sustainable Applications

The utilization of natural fibers in composites as substitutes for synthetic fibers is gaining traction due to their comparable mechanical properties, cost-effectiveness, and resilience to environmental factors. This study investigates Cissus quadrangularis fibres (CQF) and sugarcane fibers (SF) as potential alternatives for glass, aramid, or carbon fibers in composites. Mechanical tests such as tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact resistance were conducted on hand lay-up method prepared composites. The significant improvements in strength, with a notable 15.76 MPa increase in tensile strength and a commendable flexural strength of 32.01 MPa for specific fiber compositions. Drop weight testing revealed robustness, with composites sustaining a maximum force of 44N. Preliminary results indicate that the combination of Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) and sugarcane fibers in composite materials can achieve a balance between strength and sustainability. The comparison study shows that the CQF reinforced with Sugarcane fiber and epoxy resin give high tensile and flexural strength than the Cissus quadrangularis powder (CQP) with unsaturated Polyester. It is observed that no significant variation in impact strength for both Fiber and Powder Composites of CQ.