Experimental study demonstrates enhanced mechanical properties in hybrid epoxy composites, suggesting that natural fibers can effectively substitute synthetic glass.
Key Points
To evaluate the effect of reinforcing two epoxy resins with natural fibers and fiberglass on overall mechanical properties.
Fabricated composite test specimens using two epoxy resin bases (LR202 and Sikadur®-52 LP) via the hand lay-up method.
Reinforced resin systems with various percentage combinations of fiberglass, cotton, and jute fibers.
Assessed mechanical performance by measuring flexural strength, tensile strength, and impact energy across single-fiber and hybrid formulations.
Among single-fiber reinforcements, the highest mechanical properties were achieved using 15% fiberglass.
The highest flexural strength occurred in hybrid composites reinforced with 3% cotton, 7% jute, and 5% fiberglass.
The highest impact energy was observed in composites formulated with 5% cotton, 3% jute, and 7% fiberglass, demonstrating that increasing natural fiber content enhances toughness.