Investigation of Mechanical Characterisation and Thermal Performance of Hybrid Natural Fiber Composites for Automotive Applications

Abstract

Presently there has been a tremendous upgrade pursued novel materials to convey complex products with better quality. Consequently, plant fibers will be utilized to accomplish this objective. Hybrid fiber composites can satisfy these prerequisites. In this work, four unique fibers and different weight proportions were used for the first time. The purpose of the current study is to explore and analyse the mechanical and thermal attributes of raw sisal fiber (Sf), jute fiber (Jf), banana fiber (Bf), and palm fiber (Pf) reinforced epoxy hybrid composites. To redesign the mechanical and thermal characteristics the above four fibers were alkali treated. The four fibers were set up with various weight extents and a short time later amalgamated into the epoxy matrix by hand layup technique to frame composites. The tensile, flexural, impact, hardness tests and water absorption conduct of composites were inspected. Thermal steadiness and thermal debasement of the hybrid composites were performed through thermogravimetry (TG) and derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) analysis. The failure morphology analysis was finished by utilizing scanning electron microscope (SEM) to know fracture direction, matrix design and fiber orientation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) is used to identify the differentiation among amorphous and crystalline material present in the natural fiber (NF). Notwithstanding, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis moreover chemical composition, measure the bond strength and mechanical attributes of fibers. The mechanical and thermal outcomes of the hybrid composites contrasted with untreated and alkali treated composites and the outcome expose that the alkali treated fiber composites enhanced the mechanical and thermal attributes and moderating the moisture retention qualities.