A comparison study on mechanical properties of E-glass fiber and areca sheath fiber hybrid composites

Abstract

Natural Fiber composites also called as green composites are gaining interest among engineers, scientists, and researchers because they are coming up as an alternative for synthetic reinforcements for manufacturing composite materials for a wide variety of applications, especially in the aerospace industry, automobile applications, indoor applications, post boxes, Storage vessels, etc. Areca fibers, coconut fibers, banana fibers, areca sheath fiber, bamboo, hemp, sisal, etc., are examples of natural fibers. As these natural fibers or fillers occur in nature, they can be collectively referred as sustainable and reliable sources for manufacturing composite materials for light weight applications. In this perspective a comparison study has been made on the areca fibers, sheath fibers along with glass fibers with respect to their mechanical properties, Biodegradability etc. from the available literature on the Natural fiber composites.From the review of the literature, it is found that areca sheath reinforced natural fiber composites possesses good mechanical properties, are biodegradable, economical, ease of availability and most importantly it is eco-friendly. Alkali treated areca sheath fibers seem to be very capable natural fiber material for manufacturing composite with adequate life for packing material and other general applications. Depending on the application, the areca sheath fibers can be used or replaced in combination with the glass fibers to manufacture natural fiber or hybrid composites.