Development and testing of glass/kenaf inter-ply hybrid polymer composites with egg shell powder as filler

Abstract

The primary aim of this research is to develop and study the mechanical properties of the hybrid composites reinforced with alternate layers of glass and kenaf fibers in epoxy resin along with chicken egg shell powder as the filler. The egg shell powder was used in varying weights of 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12% and the kenaf fibers were used in varying weights of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%, while keeping the E-glass fiber weight as constant 5% for all the composites to produce A, B, C, & D hybrid composites. These hybrid composites with varying compositions of Kenaf-glass fibres and egg shell powder were fabricated using the combination of hand lay-up technique and cold press molding method. Prepared samples were subjected to tensile and flexural tests to investigate the mechanical properties in accordance with ASTM standards. The hybrid composite C with a composition of 5 wt% glass fiber, 15 wt% kenaf fiber, and 9 wt% egg shell powder exhibited good tensile and flexural strengths in comparison. From the overall results of mechanical tests conducted, it was observed that the natural fiber and egg shell powder content enhances the mechanical properties of the hybrid composites significantly. The water absorption test was also carried out to observe water intake behavior for a period of time.