Tensile and Flexural Properties of Natural Fibres (Kenaf and Flax) Mat Hybrid Composite Material

Abstract

Natural fibres used are kenaf, flax, sisal and aloe Vera fibres etc. in the form of biaxial mats to make a hybrid composite material and it is the preferred choice due to its superior properties like low density, stiffness, light weight and possesses better mechanical properties. Natural fibres are able to replace the synthetic fibres that it has the eminent benefits of like small manufacturing cost, its availability, ease of manufacture, low development energy, non-abrasive, worthy acoustic property, biodegradability, reasonable mechanical strength, renewability. Composite were made-up by hand lay-up method with the biaxial mats of natural fibres and epoxy resin in a mould and cured under gradual pressure. In this research paper mechanical behaviour such as tensile and flexural prperties of natural fibres kenaf /flax mat reinforced hybrid composite materials (KFK) were studied. It is found that the composite of (kenaf/flax/kenaf) mat of natural fibres gives better tensile and flexural properties in comparisons to (glass/flax/glass) mat of natural fibres. Sample was prepared and tested accordance to the ASTM standards. The tensile and flexural are mechanical properties of natural fibre epoxy composite in the mat form are increasing and it is found to be maximum at 40% by wt. of mats.