RSM-based optimization of mechanical properties of hybrid natural fiber epoxy composite

Natural fiber-reinforced hybrid polymer composites are becoming popular nowadays because of their superior mechanical properties, tribological properties, biodegradability, low environmental impact, low cost, and renewability. This research work developed a lightweight hybrid epoxy composite reinforced with hemp, jute, and bamboo fibers. The fibers weight percentages were varied to fabricate composite specimens, to enhance the hybrid composite’s mechanical characteristics. The tensile, flexural, and impact strength were evaluated for all these fabricated specimens to obtain the optimum weight per cent combinations of fibers. The best weight fraction for different fibers obtained by the response surface methodology model for the developed hybrid composite are found to be 49.45%, 20%, and 30.55% (w/w) for hemp, bamboo, and jute, respectively, resulting in predicted tensile, flexural, and impact strength values of 60.11 MPa, 170.80 MPa, and 12.33 kJ/m2, respectively. The predictions were closely matched by experimental validation, demonstrating the accuracy and dependability of the RSM model for enhancing the mechanical strength of the hybrid bio-composite by optimizing the weight fractions of different fibers. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed a uniform distribution of fibers within the epoxy matrix. The findings of this study are highly significant for developing lightweight novel hybrid composites for automobile interior parts.