The Effects of Stacking Sequence on the Tensile and Flexural Properties of Kenaf/Jute Fibre Hybrid Composites

Abstract

ABSTRACT The aim of this study to analyze the effects of the stacking sequence of kenaf and jute fibers on the tensile and flexural properties of the kenaf/jute hybrid composites. Kenaf/jute/kenaf (K/J/K), jute/kenaf/jute (J/K/J) and neat epoxy (EP) composites were prepared using the hand lay-up technique while maintaining total fiber loading of 30 wt%. Mechanical properties were analyzed by using Instron Universal Testing machines. The obtained results showed that the K/J/K hybrid composites exhibited the highest tensile strength (43.21 MPa) and flexural strength (75.57 MPa) as compared with J/K/J hybrid composites. K/J/K hybrid composites also display better tensile and flexural modulus of 3.60 GPa and 4.63 GPa, respectively, as compared to J/K/J hybrid and neat epoxy composites. The morphological properties of tensile and flexural fracture samples of the hybrid composites were analyzed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It’s clear from SEM that fiber pull-out, and matrix cracks occurs in all composites, but K/J/K hybrid composites display better fiber/matrix interfacial bonding. We concluded from this work that layering sequence plays an important role in the mechanical performance of hybrid composites and attributed that fabricated hybrid composites can be used in engineering application such as interiors for aircrafts and automotive.