Fabrication of Automobile Component Using Hybrid Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite

Abstract

In recent years, natural fibers have been used more frequently for their lower weight to strength ratio, low cost, and environmental-friendly attributes. In this work, sisal/kenaf fiber reinforced with epoxy matrix hybrid composite (HC) was manufactured and their mechanical properties were compared with the sisal fiber composite (SFC) and kenaf fiber composite (KFC). Water absorption was carried out to find the moisture absorption capacity of the manufactured HC. HC provides better properties when compared with SFC and KFC. Hybrid composite is suitable for light weight automobile applications.

Keywords

• sisal fiber
• kenaf fiber
• epoxy
• hybrid composite
• mechanical properties
• water absorption