Mechanical and tribological characterization of hybrid natural fiber reinforced composites

Abstract

Background: The technological enhancement in various disciplines enhances the demand for the new material which can replace the conventional materials. This has initiated the idea of composite materials. Synthetic fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites are being widely used due to its mechanical properties, but these fibers lack in terms of biodegradability, initial processing cost, recyclability and health hazard. An alternative to tackle these drawbacks can be found in natural fibers, that give an advantage in terms of strength to weight ratio, ease of availability and biodegradability.

Methods: This work is aimed to determine the effect of hybrid basalt - banana reinforced epoxy composite and their effectiveness in substituting few conventional materials in terms of their mechanical properties, wear resistance and water absorption rate.

Results: Basalt Banana Hybrid Composite (BBHC) is tested for their mechanical strength, hardness, impact strength, flexural strength, wear rate and water absorption rate. The test results of mechanical properties for the BBHC are compared to the other hybrid materials and conventional materials.

Conclusion: The test results reveal that the hybrid basalt banana epoxy composite is a good substitute over various conventional materials. The water absorption test results reveal that the hydrophilic nature of the natural fibers reduces a lot after the hybridization.