Effect of Stacking Sequences on Impact properties of Kenaf - Areca Hybrid Epoxy Composite

Abstract

In this research impact properties of the hybrid natural fiber composites made up of areca, kenaf fiber mats with a 10 wt. % of wood dust as the filler materials in six different stacking sequences are studied. The fibers are treated for 30 hours with 10 % of NaOH solution at room temperature to improve the adhesion properties of the fibers. The composites are made-up by hand lay-up procedure using unsaturated polyester resin combined with a catalyst of Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide (MEKP) and accelerator of Cobalt. The fabricated composites are allowed to cure for 24 hours at room temperature by placing a dead weight which gives a compact pressure. After that the hybrid composites are cut as per ASTM D256 standard to carry out the impact test by Izod Charpy impact tester. Five samples in each stacking were tested for the average value. The impact energy absorbed by specimens with six different stacking sequences are compared. The morphological study of the fractured impact specimens are studied using Scanning Electron Microscope images

Investigation of Water Absorption Properties of 2D Interwoven Kevlar–Jute Reinforced Hybrid Laminates

“…Several works of literature have discussed the influence of the stacking sequence on the mechanical properties of hybrid laminate materials. A test was conducted on kenaf-areca hybrid composite materials with 10 wt.% of wood dust filler, and the material absorbed impact loads ranging from 14 J to 18 J before fracture [34]. However, without the filler materials, the impact energy of the hybrid composite before failure increased to 46 J and a maximum tensile strength of 17.26 MPa [35].…”