Mechanical, Morphological, and Fire Behaviors of Sugar Palm/Glass Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composites

Abstract

This research aims to investigate using sugar palm fiber (SPF) and glass fiber (GF) in an epoxy matrix to develop composite materials with improved mechanical, morphological, and flammability properties. The mechanical and flammability properties are examined per ASTM standards, while the morphological study examines the fractured surfaces of the samples. Using the hand lay-up technique, the hybrid composite comprises 15% SPF, 15% GF, and 70% epoxy resin. Three treatments are applied to the SPF: untreated, alkaline treated, and benzoyl chloride treated, which enables research into the effect of fiber treatment on mechanical properties and flammability. The morphological investigation reveals that both treated SPF/GF/EP composites exhibit lower tensile strength than the untreated SPF/GF/EP composite due to inadequate mechanical interlocking at the fiber-matrix interface. However, the alkaline-treated SPF/GF/EP composite demonstrates a 24.8% improvement in flexural strength, a 1.52% increase in impact strength, and a 9.76% enhancement in flammability. Similarly, the benzoyl chloride-treated SPF/GF/EP composite improves flexural strength, impact strength, and flammability by 24.6%, 0.51%, and 5.66%, respectively. These results highlight the potential of fiber treatment to improve composite materials’ mechanical and flammability properties.