Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Objectives: The recent development in materials replaces automotive and aerospace components with composites. Among composites, natural fiber composites play a vital role due to their properties like bio-degradability, low strength to weight ratio and ease of manufacturing. Method: In this work, sisal epoxy hybrid composite was fabricated by hand layout process. Initially, releasing agent is applied on the top surface of the mould over which Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GFRP) is placed. On GFRP, apply resin hardener mixer over which sisal is placed. Again GFRP layer is kept on sisal. Findings: The result shows that, breaking load of double shear test is increased from 1.02 to 1.43 kN. Hardness value increased from 76.2 to 88.2. The results of inter de lamination test also increased from s 7.96 to 8.52 kN. Above results proved that composite with equal fibre ratio of glass and sisal (50:50) has improved the mechanical properties than composite with minimum percentage of sisal fiber. Applications: The material developed is suitable for automotive bumper application. Also, it may be used as partition and load carrying medium in railway and marine application.
Keywords: Glass Fibre, Hybrid Composites, Mechanical Properties, Sisal Fibre