Experimental investigation on mechanical and tribological characteristics of snake grass/sisal fiber reinforced hybrid composites

Abstract

Abstract An experiential research on mechanical and tribological characteristics of snake grass and sisal fiber reinforced hybrid polymer (epoxy) composites was carried out and reported in this article. The snake grass and sisal fibers were initially treated with 5% sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Hybrid composite samples were fabricated using a compression moulding technique with a total fiber weight ratio of 30% and an epoxy resin weight ratio of 70%. The proportions of snake grass and sisal fibers in the hybrid composites were 70:30, 50:50, and 30:70. The fabricated hybrid composite samples were subjected to flexural, tensile, interlaminar shear strength, Shore D hardness, water absorption, and wear tests as per ASTM international standards, and the outcomes were compared with the results of snake grass and sisal mono fiber composites. The results disclosed that the 30:70 (SG:S) hybrid composite has higher mechanical characteristics than those of other hybrid and mono fiber composites. Also, the 30:70 hybrid sample performed at par with the sisal mono composite in wear and water absorption characteristics. Optical microscopy examination of alkali-treated natural hybrid and mono fiber composites displayed excellent results in terms of interfacial bonding between polymer and fiber.