Comparative mechanical and morphological characteristics of an innovative hybrid composite of vetiver and jute

Abstract

Natural fibers are eco-friendly material, they cause less pollution and minimal health hazards. Hybrid composites are those composites that uses two or more fibers as reinforcement. The lightweight property of the natural fibers is used in production of lighter composites which have lesser density compared to that of glass composites. Vetiver is known for its uses in construction field due to their desirable heat absorbing properties. Jute is mostly used in textile and carpet industries. In current market trends, natural fiber composites are experiencing a steady growth in construction industries and have potential to replace synthetic fiber composites in many applications in the coming future. The focus of the present research is on examining mechanical properties (impact, flexural, tensile, and hardness tests), and morphological (Scanning Electron Microscope- SEM) characterizes on vetiver -jute fiber hybrid composite. The composite materials are created using various layering patterns in varying proportion with epoxy resin and fiber. The Jute-Vetiver-Jute hybrid composites shown superior tensile strength (25.43 MPa), flexural strength (55.18 MPa), impact (26.48 J/m), and hardness (84 Shore D) than with both the neat and hybrid epoxy composites. It was noted that, comparing the stacking sequence, the sandwich type prepared composite shows better mechanical and morphological properties than the layer by layer composite preparation and results that emerged from the research have the potential to be utilised for the effective implementation of a different set of industrial applications.