An experimental study of physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of Rattan fiber reinforced hybrid epoxy resin laminated composite

The primary objective of this research was to observe the physical, mechanical and thermal properties of rattan fiber reinforced hybrid epoxy resin laminated composites. The hybrid composites were fabricated utilizing rattan fiber, carbon fiber, jute fiber and epoxy resin as matrix materials. This study employed two types of rattan fibers, namely plain weave and twill weave. These rattan fibers were combined with carbon fibers and jute fibers separately, forming R3C2, R′3C2, R3J2 and R′3J2 composites. The fabrication process involved conventional hand lay-up followed by high-temperature treatment and pressure application under a hydraulic press to ensure effective curing and minimize voids within the final composites. These were compared with the properties of monolithic laminates. Mechanical properties, including tensile, flexural and hardness characteristics, were assessed to evaluate the impact of rattan fibers in hybrid composites. Failure modes of the fractured tensile specimen were examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Additionally, water absorption behavior and fire retardant painting test were conducted. The results showed that hybrid composites reinforced with plain weave rattan fiber (R3C2 & R3J2) exhibit superior tensile strength, flexural strength and hardness. In comparison to R5 composites, the tensile strengths of these samples have improved by 104.36% and 349.68%, respectively. Moreover, the flexural strengths of R3C2 and R3J2 composites exhibit significant enhancements of 218.41% and 90.9%. These composites also excel in the Shore D Hardness test. Hence, it can be concluded that the hybrid composites reinforced with rattan fibers demonstrate enhanced physical, mechanical, and thermal properties.