Performance enhancement of ternary epoxy hybrid composites with rice husk bio-filler

Abstract The study explores the effect of rice husk biofiller on the hydration, mechanical, and wear properties of ternary fiber-reinforced epoxy hybrid composites composed of jute, kevlar, and basalt fibers. Composites were fabricated via hand layup and compression, with varying stacking sequences and biofiller content (2 % and 4 %). FTIR analysis confirmed that biofiller addition and fiber stacking variations did not alter composite functional groups. Water absorption tests showed that the composite with stacking sequence K-J-B-K-J-J-K-B-J-K and 4 % biofiller (H4) exhibited the lowest water uptake at 3.2 %, indicating enhanced hydration resistance. Mechanical testing revealed that H4 also achieved the highest tensile strength (137.9 N/mm 2 ), flexural strength (225.9 N/mm 2 ), and impact strength (179 kJ/m 2 ), demonstrating superior load-bearing and toughness characteristics. Conversely, the composite with stacking sequence B-J-K-B-J-J-B-K-J-B and 4 % biofiller (H3) displayed the highest hardness (86.2 Shore D) and the lowest coefficient of friction (0.30), signifying excellent wear resistance. These results suggest that the synergistic combination of ternary fiber stacking and rice husk biofiller optimizes composite performance, making H3 and H4 promising candidates for lightweight, durable automotive interior and exterior components, advancing sustainable composite material development.