Experimental investigation on mechanical and tribological analysis of pineapple leaf (Ananas comosus) and sisal (Agave sisalana) fibers reinforced hybrid epoxy composites

Abstract

Abstract In many industrial applications, natural-fiber-reinforced polymer (NFRP) composites are emerging as a strong substitute for composites based on synthetic fibers. The goal of this study was to examine the mechanical and tribological characteristics, including tensile, flexural, impact, wear, hardness, and water absorption, of hybrid epoxy composites reinforced with pineapple leaf and sisal fibers at various weight fractions. First, 5 % sodium hydroxide was used to treat the pineapple leaf and sisal fibers. With a composition of 0, 10, 15, 20, and 30 wt% of pineapple leaf and sisal fibers to the epoxy resin and its hardener mixture, which had a constant weight ratio of 70 %, hybrid composites were fabricated using the compression moulding process. To create a hybrid epoxy composite reinforced with pineapple and sisal fiber, epoxy resin was used as the binder. Different types of testing were performed on the hybrid composites following ASTM standards. The outcomes were contrasted with composites made from mono-pineapple and sisal fiber composites. In comparison to other composite samples, the 15:15 composite sample exhibited the best mechanical and tribological qualities, including the highest tensile strength, impact resistance, flexural strength, hardness, water absorption resistance, and wear resistance. Using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), the fiber/matrix adhesion was investigated. The 15:15 composite sample exhibits primarily mechanical and tribological properties, making the resultant composite material simpler to use in structural and automotive applications.