Evaluation of the Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Composites Encompassing Natural Fibers (Flax, Hemp, Kenaf, Jute and Sisal) and Glass Fiber, through Experimental and Numerical Approaches
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Abstract
The current research deals with the manufacture of different hybrid composite laminates using a hand layup process and the comparison of their properties, based on glass fiber (G) as the outer layer and natural fibers – Flax (F), Hemp (H), Kenaf (K), Jute (J) and Sisal (S) as internal layers, each having a fiber volume of 22-23%, in an epoxy resin matrix. Five stacking sequences – GJJJJG, GFJJFG, GHJJHG, GKJJKG and GJSSJG, were used to prepare the test specimens. According to ASTM guidelines, tests were performed to determine the tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength and water absorption behaviour. Finite element simulations were carried out and validated by tensile and three‐point bending tests. To analyse the fractured surfaces, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) has been used. The mechanical performance of laminates GJJJJG and GHJJHG appears to be superior among all the five tested hybrid laminates.
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