Characterization of hair-sisal-glass fibre polyester hybrid composite materials

This study investigates the mechanical properties of Hair/Sisal/Glass Fiber Reinforced Polyester plastic (HSGFRP) hybrid composites composed of 15% fiber content by weight, with equal proportions of hair, sisal, and glass fibers, and 85% polyester matrix.However, to ensure accuracy in representing the material composition, the fiber content was recalculated and expressed in terms of volume fraction (vol%), considering the differences in densities among the fibers and the matrix material.Based on this adjustment, the total fiber content corresponds to approximately 7.67% by volume, with equal volumetric proportions of hair, sisal, and glass fibers.Specimens fabricated using the hand lay-up technique were tested for tensile, flexural, impact, and water absorption properties.The HSGFRP achieved 53% of the tensile strength, 94% of the flexural strength, and 77% of the impact strength of Glass Fiber Reinforced Composite (GFRP), with moderate water absorption properties comparable to glass and glass/sisal fiber materials.The addition of glass fiber enhanced tensile and flexural strength while reducing impact strength.HSGFRP exhibits balanced mechanical properties, making it a viable, lightweight, and costeffective alternative to traditional glass fiber composites for light-load applications, despite a noticeable gap in tensile strength compared to GFRP.