Fabrication and Mechanical Testing of Hemp-Bamboo-Flax Reinforced with Orange Peel Powder Natural Fibre Composites Using Hand Layup Technique

Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymeric Composites (NFRPCs) are increasingly used as sustainable and economical alternatives to synthetic fiber composites, driven by their biodegradability, low cost, and high mechanical strength3. This project investigates the mechanical behavior of novel hybrid natural fiber composites. Seven different composite laminates were fabricated using the hand lay-up technique, with Epoxy Resin (LY556) as the matrix and various combinations of Hemp, Bamboo, and Flax fibers, reinforced with 5% Orange Peel Powder (OPP)44. Mechanical properties, including tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness, were evaluated in accordance with ASTM standards5. The results indicate that the developed composites possess promising mechanical properties for potential application in structural components6. Specifically, the Hemp + Flax + 5% OPP hybrid composite exhibited superior tensile and flexural strength, while the Bamboo + Flax + 5% OPP composite showed the highest impact strength and hardness