An Experimental Study on Hemp/Sisal Fiber Embedded Hybrid Polymer Composites

Abstract

Environmental concerns encourage the use of artless fibers since bio-fiber embedded polymer composite crumble easily in nature and cheaper compare to petroleum-based fibers. Cellulosic fibers are gradually more gaining attention as their uses are diversified into structural and automobile parts for vehicle where low weight is necessary. The low density of cellulosic fibers is very beneficial in the structural and automobile industry. Cellulosic fibers offer many ecological and technical benefits for its use in incorporating composites. Current research paper investigates the mechanical strength (tensile, flexural, compression strength and shore-D hardness) and water absorption performance of different weight percentage of hemp/sisal fiber embedded polymer resin (epoxy resin) hybrid composites. Hemp and sisal fiber surfaces were subjected to 10 weight percentage of alkaline (NaOH) solution to improve the bonding characteristic between hydrophilic cellulosic fibers and hydrophobic polymer resin. Hybrid composite specimens were prepared by simple cold pressing technique. A 40 weight percentage of hemp/sisal fiber embedded hybrid composite sample discloses maximum tensile strength, flexural strength and compression strength. Shore-D hardness value and absorption of moisture of hybrid composite samples increases with increase in fiber loading. Morphological analyses are carried out to analyze the fractured surface of hybrid composite samples by using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and reported. The investigational result also discloses that the hemp and sisal fibers are promising reinforcements for use in cheaper bio-composites which have high strength to weight ratio.