Physical and Mechanical Properties of Kenaf/Carbon Hybrid Composites

Abstract

This research article studied the manufacturing of bi-directional kenaf fabric reinforced epoxy composites hybridized with carbon fabrics in various stacking sequences and the effect of hybridization on these composites' physical and mechanical properties. Pure and hybrid composites were fabricated utilizing the vacuum-assisted resin infusion method. The hybridization of 16 vol. % carbon fabrics increased the density of pure kenaf/epoxy composites by around 5%. The mechanical performance of kenaf/epoxy composites improved by changing the fiber volume fraction and stacking sequence of carbon fabrics in the hybrid composites. Approximately 16 vol. % carbon fiber volume fractions in hybrid composites improved the tensile, flexural, and interlaminar shear performance of kenaf/epoxy composites up to 400%, 268.8%, and 281%, respectively. The stacking sequence affected the tensile, flexural, interlaminar shear, water absorption, and fracture toughness performance. The highest tensile strength and modulus were shown by hybrid KC2 among all tested hybrid composites. Hybrid KC4 had higher flexural strength, flexural modulus, interlaminar shear strength and lower water absorption and thickness swelling. The highest fracture toughness can be achieved using the KC1 (Ft) hybrid. As a result, carbon fabrics can be used as a skin layer in various stacking sequences with kenaf fabrics in epoxy composites, depending on the targeted structural application.