Mechanical characterization of Curaua fiber/Babool wood particle reinforced polyester hybrid composite

Abstract

The researchers are in the situation to satisfy the demand for engineering materials by developing novel eco-friendly materials. The natural fiber composites are the substitutes for the synthetic material. The mechanical properties of curaua fiber-reinforced polyester (CFRP) composites were investigated, as well as the effects of curaua fibre infusion with Babool Wood particles (BWP). The composite specimens were fabricated using a hand lay-up approach using varying amounts of curaua fibres (CF) and babool wood particles in a 1:1 ratio in order to test the tensile strength and flexural strength. The results demonstrated that before weakening, the tensile strength and flexural strength of the composite samples rose by up to 40% for hybrid reinforcements. Comparing samples made of pure resin to those made of the composite at 40 weight percent (CF20/BWP20), the tensile and bending strengths of the composite are improved by 93.42% and 86.4%, respectively. The tensile and flexural modulus values of the hybrid composites increased by up to 50% fiber, but less successfully (CF25 and BWP25). The fracture mechanism of the shattered composite samples was examined using scanning electron microscopy.