Performance evaluation of hybrid sisalana Agave fiber and carbon powder in polyester composites: A study on mechanical, thermal, and microstructural characteristics

The need for high-performance, sustainable materials has prompted research into both synthetic and natural reinforcements in polymer composites. This study focuses into the mechanical, thermal, and microstructural aspects of polyester composites reinforced with hybrid sisal fibers and carbon powders. Hot pressing was used to create composites with different sisal-to-carbon volume ratios (5:25, 10:20, 15:15, 20:10, and 25:5), which were dubbed SCQ, SSY, SLD, SIR, and SYW. The SIR sample (20 % sisal, 10 % carbon) had the strongest tensile (33.42 ± 1.9 MPa) and bending strength (61.08 ± 4.81 MPa), indicating a synergistic reinforcement effect. Thermal investigation determined that SLD (15 % sisal; 15 % carbon) has the maximum thermal stability. SEM revealed enhanced interfacial adhesion in adjusted formulations. These findings highlight the potential of hybrid composites for lightweight structural applications in the construction and automotive industries.