Experimental evaluation of mechanical, fatigue, and tribological properties of kenaf fiber–epoxy composites reinforced with silicon carbide

Abstract This study presents the development of high-strength, wear-resistant, and sustainable natural fiber composites by reinforcing unidirectional kenaf fiber–epoxy matrices with silicon carbide (SiC) particles. Unlike previous works focused on hybrid or synthetic reinforcements, this research systematically investigates the synergistic effect of varying kenaf fiber (20%, 40%, 60%) and SiC (2%, 4%, 6%) contents on the mechanical and tribological performance of composites fabricated via compression molding. Comprehensive characterization was carried out, including tensile, flexural, impact, compression, hardness, fatigue, interlaminar shear stress (ILSS), and wear testing. The results demonstrate that increasing both kenaf fiber and SiC content significantly enhances strength, stiffness, impact resistance, fatigue life, and wear performance. Notably, the KF60-SiC6 composite showed a tensile strength increase from 45.2 MPa to 69.3 MPa, impact strength from 15.2 to 26.8 kJ/m², compressive strength from 85.3 MPa to 120.2 MPa, and fatigue life improvement from 48,500 to 85,900 cycles. Wear rate and coefficient of friction decreased markedly, indicating superior tribological behavior. The inclusion of SiC particles effectively improved fiber-matrix interfacial bonding and hindered crack propagation, contributing to the superior mechanical durability and surface resistance of the composites. These findings validate the feasibility of kenaf-SiC-epoxy composites as lightweight, eco-friendly alternatives for automotive, aerospace, and structural applications that require enhanced mechanical integrity and wear resistance.