Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Akshaya College of Engineering, and Technology, Kinathukadavu, Coimbatore - 642109, Tamil Nadu, India
Manickaraj Karuppusamy
Department of Mechanical Engineering, CMS College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore - 641032, Tamil Nadu, India
Sivasankari Krishnakumar
Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Akshaya College of Engineering, and Technology, Kinathukadavu, Coimbatore - 642109, Tamil Nadu, India
Department of Mechanical Engineering, PTR college of engineering and technology, Austinpatti, Madurai - Tirumangalam road, Madurai - 625008, Tamil Nadu. India
Manivannan Jayamani
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil-626126, Tamil Nadu, India
Kumar Sureshkumar
Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation Vaddeswaram, Guntur District - 522 302 Andhra Pradesh, India
Syed Kashif Ali
Department of Physical Sciences, Chemistry Division, College of Science, Jazan University, P.O. Box. 114, Jazan 45142, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Nanotechnology Research Unit, College of Science, Jazan University, P.O. Box. 114, Jazan 45142, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Saleh A. Al-Farraj
Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
This study investigates the enhancement of mechanical characteristics of hybrid polymer composites reinforced with Palmyra Palm Leaflet (PPL) and Coconut Sheath Leaf (CSL) fibers by integrating Tamarind Shell Powder as a filler material. The composites were fabricated with varying ratios of PPL and CSL fibers, and their tensile strength, flexural strength, interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), impact strength, hardness, and water absorption were evaluated. Results indicated that the composite with 20% PPL and 10% CSL exhibited superior mechanical performance, achieving the highest tensile strength of 42.22 MPa, flexural strength of 94.35 MPa, ILSS of 7.52 MPa, and impact strength of 5.98 J. Hardness values peaked at 84.12 SD for the same composition. Moreover, the integration of Tamarind Shell Powder significantly improved the mechanical properties compared to composites without filler, which showed lower values across all parameters. Water absorption tests revealed an increase in water uptake with filler incorporation, though within acceptable limits for practical applications. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis further supported these results by revealing enhanced fiber-matrix bonding and better dispersion of the filler, resulting in fewer voids and defects. This research highlights the potential of bio-based fillers in optimizing the mechanical performance of hybrid composites for sustainable engineering applications.
