Revolutionizing Automotive Materials through Enhanced Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Hybrid Bio-Composites with Hemp, Kenaf, and Coconut Powder

Abstract

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">Introducing a groundbreaking exploration into the mechanical properties of epoxy hybrid biocomposites, this study unveils a comprehensive analysis encompassing tensile strength, flexural properties, impact resistance, and hardness characteristics. The materials under scrutiny include hemp fiber (H), kenaf fiber (K), and coconut powder (CP), both in their untreated state and after undergoing alkaline processing. This research marks a significant milestone in understanding these sustainable materials and their potential for enhancing composite materials. In this endeavour, hemp is the basis material, while kenaf and coconut are filler elements. The total weight proportion of hemp was kept constant while the other two fibre fillers were changed. The unprocessed laminate sample significantly improves tensile, flexural, and impact strength with increasing coconut fiber loading. The improved interlinking capacity of the natural fibre composites (NFC) and an epoxy matrix is also to blame for the composite’s efficient resistance competency. Furthermore, the creation of powerful hydrogen bonds due to the increased polarisation of the epoxy matrix improved the bending characteristics of the hybrid natural composites. Untreated specimens’ impact strength was enhanced by up to 20% wt. of CP and K. The addition of more CP and K had a detrimental effect. Furthermore, as coconut fibre loading increased, the hardness value of unprocessed samples declined steadily. The mechanical properties of unprocessed material and chemically modified hybrid samples were evaluated. Compared to unprocessed composite samples, the results of alkali-treated composite samples demonstrate more excellent tensile, flexural, compression, impact strength, and hardness. SEM examinations on the fractured surface of hybrids revealed that surface alteration of the fibre occurred, which increased fibre-matrix interaction.</div></div>