Investigation on impact properties of different type of fibre form: hybrid hemp/glass and kenaf/glass composites

Abstract

Abstract Natural fibre reinforced polymer composites have high potentials to be used in a variety of applications due to its environmental friendly and biodegradability capabilities. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of core fibre type, core thicknesses, and fibre configurations on the impact behaviour of hybrid natural fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. The samples were made of kenaf, hemp and glass mat fibers, and polyester used as matrix resin. These samples were fabricated using a combination of hand lay-up and vacuum bagging systems. The Instron Dynatup 8250 was used in accordance to ASTM D7136. The results showed that the highest impact properties were in hemp hybrid composites. For fibre arrangement, system (1/4/1) in which kenaf, hemp and glass mat were arranged in outer layer (as skin) resulted a higher energy absorbed compared to system (2/2/2) in which kenaf, hemp and glass mat were arranged in middle layer (as core). The impact properties increased with the increasing of core thickness. These findings are significant for possible applications of natural/synthetic fibre reinforced polymer hybrid composites in the fields of vehicles, biomedical, transportation and other specific application could have benefited for further study in hybrid composite material improvement.