Effects of stacking sequence of pineapple leaf-flax reinforced hybrid composite laminates on mechanical characterization and moisture resistant properties

Abstract

The present study aims to investigate the effects of stacking sequence on physical, mechanical and moisture resistant properties of pineapple leaf fiber (PF) and flax fiber (FF) reinforced composite laminates. The non-hybrid and hybrid composite laminates are fabricated by using vacuum assisted resin infusion molding process (VARIM) with an inter-ply configuration. From the results, the maximum tensile strength (219.3 MPa), flexural strength (132.4 MPa), shear strength (39.1 MPa) and impact energy (50.2 J) have been recorded for FFRP composites while the minimum for PFRP (124.7 MPa, 52.3 MPa, 4.3 MPa, and 23.3 J) respectively. For hybrid composite laminates, the increase in volume fraction of flax fiber, improved the mechanical and moisture resistant properties while an increase in the volume fraction of PALF enhanced the elongation and flexibility of the developed composites. Furthermore, it observed that, stacking sequence configuration of flax fibers as outer layer exhibited better tensile, flexural, impact and moisture properties while flax fibers at inner layer examined maximum shear properties. Therefore, among hybrid composites, H7 recorded maximum tensile strength, flexural strength and impact energy (207.7 MPa, 121.7 MPa and 48.8 J) while H5 recorded maximum shear strength (24.2 MPa). The water absorption and chemical resistant behaviour of fabricated laminates with five different combinations of solution (distilled water, seawater, hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid and sodium carbonate) are examined and revealed that hybrid composite laminates have better resistance to water and chemical uptake. The morphology and fracture analysis of composite laminates are analyzed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Overall, the developed hybrid composite laminates have lighter weight, economical and better interfacial bonding with improved mechanical and moisture properties for distinct load-bearing applications.