Fabrication of ramie/hemp fibers-reinforced hybrid polymer composite—A comprehensive study on biological and structural application

Abstract

This study primarily investigates the antibacterial properties, tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength, hardness, and microstructural characteristics of a composite, utilizing Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for detailed analysis. The composite, crafted through a hand layup technique, optimally blends ramie and hemp fibers within an epoxy matrix. Its antibacterial efficacy was rigorously tested against common bacterial strains, demonstrating significant potential for medical and hygienic applications. The evaluation of tensile strength revealed the composite’s enhanced capability to withstand longitudinal stresses, with a peak strength of 37.81 MPa, achieved by increasing ramie fiber content. In addition, a flexural strength of 39.72 MPa underscored the material’s robust resistance to bending forces, crucial for structural uses. The composite’s impact strength, accessed via the Izod impact test, registered at 0.021 J/m2, indicating its ability to absorb and dissipate energy upon sudden impacts, making it ideal for automotive and protective gear applications. The Rockwell hardness test further quantified the composite’s resistance to surface indentation, vital for wear-resistant surfaces. SEM analysis offered a comprehensive view of the microstructural dynamics between the fibers and the matrix, especially under tensile stress, highlighting the intricacies of fiber–matrix adhesion, crack propagation, and overall composite integrity. Notably, the antibacterial properties were confirmed by an 18 mm inhibition zone, which showcases the composite’s ability to inhibit bacterial growth effectively.