Experimental Investigation of Sustainable Hybrid Composite Material for Marine Application

In the newer developments in technology in making materials, composite materials are proving to be a sufficient replacement for traditional materials because of improved properties. Composites are produced by bringing two or more materials into contact to create new materials with the desired performance features like strength, hardness, and elasticity. They are primarily synthetic and natural, with different properties and uses. Three to four tonnes of animal hair fibre are lost annually in India. Interestingly, we have a reinforced polymeric composite mixed with the waste fibre and resin. We have developed a hybrid composite material by K29 and animal hair fibres for our project. The composite was then reinforced with different binding agents, i.e., Epoxy resin-556, polyester, and PVC, using the hand layup technique under load conditions. Samples were conditioned after composite preparation according to ASTM testing standards. The tensile strength of the composite was explored, and the microstructure was examined using a SEM. Results revealed that epoxy-reinforced hybrid composite showed increased tensile strength and good interfacial adhesion between hair fibres and Kevlar. The new composite material can also be used in marine construction and shipbuilding bulkhead lining where strength and toughness are needed.