Exploring the Mechanical and Morphological Characteristics of Hybrid-Reinforced Polymer Composites

Abstract

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">This study focuses on the development of a hybrid composite, incorporating natural fibers—specifically, banana and flax fibers—within a polyester resin matrix. Different volume ratios of banana and flax fibers were systematically employed to create the composite, with a particular emphasis on achieving optimal fabrication processes through compression molding. The mechanical properties of the resulting hybrid composite were comprehensively assessed through tensile, impact, and flexural testing using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM). Morphological analysis, facilitated by a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), provided insights into the internal structure of the composite. Additionally, numerical analysis utilizing ANSYS software was employed to further understand the composite's behavior. The findings unveiled that the hybrid composite demonstrated superior strength compared to single-fiber composites. This research contributes to advancing our understanding of hybrid composites, offering insights into their mechanical and morphological characteristics for potential applications in various fields, particularly in the automotive sector.</div></div>