Enhancement of mechanical properties of ramie and jute fibres reinforced epoxy hybrid composites: Influencing of SiC and Al 2 O 3

Abstract

Due to rising environmental awareness and dwindling oil supplies, many efforts have been made to replace synthetic fibres with plant fibre reinforced composites (PFRC). The need to eliminate plastics from everyday life has resulted in the development of a diverse range of eco-friendly natural-based composites for the automotive, chemical, and food packaging industries. PFRC plays an important role in the production of lightweight and cost-effective products. The current study looked at how different proportions of SiC/Al₂O₃ filler affected the mechanical properties of a plant fibre-based ramie/jute epoxy hybrid composite. By reinforcing a constant ramie (20 wt.%) and jute (10 wt.%) fibre with different proportions of SiC (2 –10 wt.%) and Al₂O₃ (0 –8 wt.%), hybrid composites were created using traditional stirring and compression moulding methods. The hybrid composite with 8% SiC and 2% Al₂O₃ (sample D) has higher tensile, flexural, hardness, impact, and interlaminar shear strength than the other combinations. The functional group of a nanoparticle-filled hybrid composite was evaluated using Fourier Transfer infrared Spectroscopy. Furthermore, SEM confirmed the excellent bonding of the viable hybrid composite combination’s filler, fibre, and matrix. According to the findings, a nano filler content of 8% SiC and 2% Al₂O₃ can improve mechanical properties and serve as a viable reinforcement in hybrid polymer composites for major engineering applications.