Agave-jute fiber–reinforced hybrid composite for lightweight applications: effect of hybridization

• Published in: Biomass conversion and biorefinery Vol. 15; no. 8; pp. 12241 - 12254
• Main Authors: Kurien, Rittin Abraham, Arshad, Aboozinan, Joseph, Ajin, Sunil, Anandu, Cherian, Benson Tom, Rangappa, Sanjay Mavinkere, Suttiruengwong, Supakij, Kannan, Gokul, Siengchin, Suchart
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.04.2025; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Biomass; Biorefineries; Biotechnology; Energy; Flexural strength; Hardness tests; Hybrid composites; Industrial applications; Jute; Machinability; Morphology; Original Article; Pressure molding; Renewable and Green Energy; Stacking sequence (composite materials); Sustainable development; Tensile strength; Tribology; Sustainable; Biodegradability; Natural fiber; Hybrid composite; Eco-friendly
• ISSN: 2190-6815; 2190-6823
• DOI: 10.1007/s13399-024-05984-6

Synthetic materials always had a negative impact on the environment, and this awareness has led to development of eco-friendly materials. Agave and jute fiber hybrid composites are the subject of this research, and the purpose of the investigation is to investigate the impacts of the stacking sequence. A total fiber loading of 25 wt% was maintained throughout the process of manufacturing composites made of jute, agave, jute/agave, jute/agave/jute, and agave/jute/agave. These composites were fabricated utilising the compression moulding technique. Since agave is a less explored natural fiber, the objective is to find the mechanical and morphological properties of agave-jute composite and also to find out about its applications in industrial sector and for sustainable development. This study emphases on investigating the mechanical (tensile, flexural, impact and hardness tests), tribological (pin-on-disc), morphological (scanning electron microscope, SEM) and machinability characterises on agave-jute fiber hybrid composite. The composites are fabricated with different combinations of stacking sequence. The obtained results showed that the jute-agave-jute hybrid composites exhibited the highest tensile strength (87.56 MPa), flexural strength (127.82 MPa), impact (3.3 J) and hardness (82 Shore D) as compared with other hybrid and neat epoxy composites. In addition, the tribological, machinability and morphological properties also showed that the specimen 4 had good fiber distribution leading to better properties. As a result of our research, we came to the conclusion that the stacking/layering sequencing plays a significant part in the performance of hybrid composites.