Integration of snake plant fibers into basalt fiber-reinforced polymer composites: Mechanical and dynamic mechanical performance

The increasing demand for sustainable structural materials has accelerated interest in hybrid composites that integrate synthetic and natural fibers to balance between high performance and environmental responsibility. This study investigates basalt fiber (BF)/snake plant (SP) fiber-reinforced epoxy composites and evaluates their mechanical, dynamic mechanical, and morphological behavior. The findings reveal that BF-rich composites deliver superior strength, stiffness, and interfacial bonding, whereas SP-rich and balanced hybrids improve damping and thermal transitions. Such tunable performance highlights the potential of hybridization: BF contributes rigidity and load-bearing capacity, while SP enhances energy dissipation and sustainability. Fracture analysis confirms stronger fiber-matrix adhesion in BF-dominant systems, with more fiber pull-out evident in SP-rich composites. By tailoring fiber ratios, these eco-friendly hybrids can be engineered for diverse applications, from automotive panels and vibration-damping structures to protective gear and acoustic components, demonstrating their promise as multifunctional, sustainable alternatives to conventional composites. • Higher SP fiber content decreases tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness properties in hybrids. • Composite containing 75% BF and 25% SP shows better mechanical properties among hybrids. • BF-rich composites possess higher storage and loss moduli. • SP-rich composites offer improved damping factors and glass transition temperatures. • 50BF:50SP hybrid balances damping efficiency and glass transition temperature.