Investigation on mechanical properties of woven alovera/sisal/kenaf fibres and their hybrid composites

The go-green concept results in multipoint focus towards materials made from nature; easily decomposable and recyclable polymeric materials and their composites along with natural fibres ignited the manufacturing sectors to go for higher altitudes in engineering industries. This is due to the health hazard and environmental problems faced in manufacturing and disposal of synthetic fibres. This study was undertaken to analyse the suitability of new natural fibre as an alternative reinforcement for composite materials. In this paper, tensile, flexural and impact test is made for the woven alovera and kenaf (AK), sisal and kenaf (SK), alovera, sisal and kenaf fibre hybrid epoxy composites (ASK). The composite laminates are made through a hand-layup process. The surface analysis is studied through scanning electron microscopy. From the investigation the SK hybrid composite shows good tensile property, AK hybrid composite shows better flexural property and the best impact strength is observed for ASK hybrid composite. The natural fibres slowly replace the synthetic fibres from its environmental impact, marching towards a revolution in engineering materials.