Mechanical and Moisture Resistance Evaluation of Alkali-Treated Coconut Fiber/E-Glass Hybrid Epoxy Composite for Lightweight Engineering Applications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56904/imejour.v1i1.203Abstract
In mechanical engineering, the demand for lightweight and sustainable materials is gaining significant momentum, as the choice of material impacts the efficiency, energy usage, and environmental footprint of mechanical systems. Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites have many advantages like low density and renewability but they are not widely used due to moisture sensitivity and poor fiber–matrix bonding. In this study, an alkali treatment process of coconut fibers and their hybridization with E-glass fibers for structural and semi‑structural components application using an epoxy composite is investigated. The work is tested for its tensile, flexural, impact, specific strength and moisture absorption properties. Coconut fibers were processed with sodium hydroxide to increase the surface roughness and remove hydrophilic impurities from the fibers and composite laminates were prepared by a hand lay-up technique in which the fibers were cured at room temperature. Experimental study shows that the tensile and flexural strength, impact resistance and specific strength of natural fiber composites of hybridization with E‑glass fiber are significantly increased when compared to natural fiber composites without hybridization, mainly due to the bridging effect of E‑glass fiber and reduced fiber pull out and load transfer. The hybrid composite also demonstrates reduced water absorption, further enhancing its potential for lightweight applications where durability and environmental considerations are paramount. In summary, this study contributes to the progress of sustainable composite development by comprehensively uniting the fiber treatment, hybrid reinforcement, mechanical evaluation, and moisture resistance in a single experimental system.
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