Experimental Study on Fracture Toughness of Natural Fibres Reinforced Hybrid Composites

Abstract

The continuous use of materials with metal matrix like mild steel, aluminium and other non-renewable materials are depleting which are not cost effective. Hence Natural fibres are considered as new emerging eco friendly materials as they are renewable, cost effective, light weight, eco friendly and biodegradable. Composites by name is a combination of many materials made of different reinforcing agents and matrix, are considered more useful because they have better strength and stiffness values, light in weight and strength to weight, strength to stiffness ratios are much higher compared to steel or aluminium metals and with these composites it is more feasible to achieve various combinations of different properties which is found to be difficult to achieve with those of metals, ceramics or polymers. The project is carried out to fabricate natural fibre reinforced hybrid composites and is tested for various mechanical properties through fracture toughness testing and tensile testing, analysed using tools like DOE and RSM. The specimens are tested and analysed and is found that it has similar mechanical properties of any synthetic fibres and can replace them.