Hybrid composites of oil palm empty fruit bunches/woven jute fiber: chemical resistance, physical, and impact properties

Abstract

Natural fiber-based hybrid composites with oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) and woven jute (Jw) fibers were prepared by hand lay-up method. Epoxy resin was used as matrix and tri-layer hybrid composites of EFB/ woven jute /EFB and woven jute /EFB/ woven jute were prepared by keeping the EFB/ woven jute fiber weight ratio constant at 4:1. The chemical resistance properties of the EFB/ woven jute/EFB and woven jute /EFB/ woven jute fiber-reinforced hybrid composites were studied by using three acids, three alkalies, and three solvents. It was found from the chemical resistance test that all the composites are resistance to various chemicals. It was observed that marked reduction in void content of composites with hybridization of oil palm EFB with woven jute fiber. Density and moisture content study demonstrated that density and moisture content property was enhanced in hybrid composites. The hybrid composites showed lower impact properties than pure EFB composite. Izod impact strength of EFB/woven jute/EFB and woven jute/EFB/woven jute hybrid was found to be 72.4 and 57.9 J/m, respectively. Impact fracture surface of the composites was studied with the help of scanning electron microscopy (SEM).