MECHANICAL AND TRIBOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF EPOXY-BASED NATURAL FIBER-REINFORCED HYBRID BIO-COMPOSITES

This study involves the preparation of hybrid bio-composites using the hand lay-up method, with epoxy resin serving as the matrix and natural fibers as the reinforcement. The primary objective was to conduct a mechanical and tribological analysis of jute-coir and banana-coir hybrid composites, as well as neat coir bio-composites. The results indicated that the jute-coir hybrid composite exhibited the lowest water absorption (7.6%) and thickness swelling (6.8%) when compared to the banana-coir and neat coir bio-composites. Moreover, the jute-coir composites demonstrated superior hardness and strength, with a higher hardness (78HRB) and tensile strength (120MPa) compared to other bio-composites. Furthermore, sliding and erosion wear tests demonstrated that the jute-coir bio-composite displayed excellent resistance to abrasion and erosion under various wear conditions. As a result, the jute-coir composite, with its reduced thickness swelling and water absorption and favorable mechanical and tribological properties, holds potential for application in diverse areas such as railway coach interiors, aircraft industries for interior components, as well as everyday items like plates and spoons.