Development and Mechanical Characterization of Hybrid Natural Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites for Structural Applications

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | Special Issue 01 | Page : 1181 1189
    By

    Ritesh Fegade,

  • Ramakant Chaudhari,

  • Rupendra Nehete,

  • Vithoba Tale,

  • Dnyaneshwar Mate,

  • Sachin Yadav,

  • Pramod Wadate,

  • Somnath Kolgiri,

  1. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Parvatibai Genba Moze College of Engineering, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Wagholi, Pune, Maharashtra, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Padmashri Dr. V. B. Kolte College of Engineering, Malkapur, Maharashtra, India
  3. Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, SIES Graduate School of Technology, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  4. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rajarshi Shahu College of Engineering, Tathawade, Pune, Maharashtra, India
  5. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rajarshi Shahu College of Engineering, Tathawade, Pune, Maharashtra, India
  6. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Parvatibai Genba Moze College of Engineering, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Wagholi, Pune, Maharashtra, India
  7. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ajeenkya D. Y. Patil School of Engineering, Lohgaon, Pune, Maharashtra, India
  8. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Parvatibai Genba Moze College of Engineering, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Wagholi, Pune, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable, lightweight, and cost-effective materials in engineering has driven significant interest in natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites (NFRPCs). Among various options, hybrid composites combining two or more natural fibers offer a balanced improvement in mechanical properties while maintaining environmental benefits. This study investigates the fabrication and mechanical performance of jute–hemp fiber-reinforced epoxy composites. Specimens were prepared using the hand lay-up technique followed by compression molding to ensure uniform fiber distribution and improved matrix bonding. Mechanical testing, including tensile, flexural, and impact assessments, was conducted in accordance with ASTM D3039, ASTM D790, and ASTM D256 standards, respectively. Comparative analysis between single-fiber (jute or hemp) and hybrid fiber configurations revealed that the jute–hemp hybrid composite exhibited superior performance across all tested parameters. The hybrid specimens demonstrated higher tensile and flexural strength, enhanced impact resistance, and better durability, attributed to the complementary characteristics of the two fibers. Jute fibers contributed to stiffness and load-bearing capacity, while hemp fibers improved toughness and energy absorption. These synergistic effects make the hybrid composite a viable alternative to conventional synthetic composites, offering a reduced environmental footprint and competitive mechanical performance. The findings suggest significant potential for the adoption of jute–hemp hybrid composites in structural, automotive, and other engineering applications where sustainability, strength, and cost-effectiveness are critical.

Keywords: Composite materials, natural fibers, hybrid composites, mechanical properties, epoxy matrix, sustainable materials

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer & Composites (jopc)]

How to cite this article:
Ritesh Fegade, Ramakant Chaudhari, Rupendra Nehete, Vithoba Tale, Dnyaneshwar Mate, Sachin Yadav, Pramod Wadate, Somnath Kolgiri. Development and Mechanical Characterization of Hybrid Natural Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites for Structural Applications. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):1181-1189.
How to cite this URL:
Ritesh Fegade, Ramakant Chaudhari, Rupendra Nehete, Vithoba Tale, Dnyaneshwar Mate, Sachin Yadav, Pramod Wadate, Somnath Kolgiri. Development and Mechanical Characterization of Hybrid Natural Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites for Structural Applications. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):1181-1189. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=236821


Browse Figures

References

  1. Pickering KL, Efendy MGA, Le TM. A review of recent developments in natural fibre composites and their mechanical performance. Compos Part A Appl Sci Manuf. 2016;83:98–112.
  2. ASTM D790-10. Standard Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics. ASTM International; 2010.
  3. Fegade R, et al. Advanced machine learning models for early detection of helical gear faults. Int J Interact Des Manuf. 2025.
  4. Fegade R, et al. Innovative magnetic coupling for enhanced safety in grinding machines. J Mines Met Fuels. 2025;73(3).
  5. ASTM D256-06. Standard Test Methods for Determining the Izod Pendulum Impact Resistance of Plastics. ASTM International; 2006.
  6. Fegade R, Tated R, Nehete R. Numerical investigation of pull in control of rectangular AA1050 rolling ingot through design of convex mould during direct chill casting process. Eng Res Express. 2024;6(1):1–15.
  7. Fegade R, Tated R, Nehete R. Experimental and numerical investigation of effect of melter temperature and casting speed on pull-in (concavity) of AA1050 ingot during direct chill casting. J Inst Eng India Ser C. 2024;105:69–79.
  8. Bledzki AK, Gassan J. Composites reinforced with cellulose-based fibers. Prog Polym Sci. 1999;24(2):221–274.
  9. ASTM D3039-08. Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Polymer Matrix Composite Materials. ASTM International; 2008.
  10. Fegade R, Tated R, Nehete R. Numerical analysis to investigate the effect of solidification parameters on the pull-in effect of continuous casting. Appl Comput Mech Eng. 2022:313–325.
  11. Fegade R, Tated R, Nehete R. Improving the aluminium rolling ingot recovery using TQM technique. Int J Innov Technol Explor Eng. 2019;8(12):282–289.
  12. Bharath KN, Lokesh KN. Development and mechanical characterization of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites – A review. Mater Today Proc. 2020;33:4252–4257.
  13. Sathishkumar TP, Navaneethakrishnan P, Shankar S. Mechanical properties of randomly oriented short banana and sisal hybrid fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites. Mater Des. 2012;42:1–7.
  14. Ramesh M, Palanikumar K, Reddy KH. Mechanical property evaluation of sisal–jute–glass fiber reinforced polyester composites. Compos Part B Eng. 2013;48:1–9.
  15. Bachtiar D, Sapuan SM, Zainudin ES. Conceptual design of automotive component using hybrid natural fiber reinforced polymer composites. Mater Des. 2010.
  16. Faruk O, Bledzki AK, Fink HP, Sain M. Biocomposites reinforced with natural fibers: 2000–2010. Prog Polym Sci. 2012;37(11):1552–1596.
  17. Mohanty AK, Misra M, Drzal LT. Sustainable bio-composites from renewable resources: Opportunities and challenges in the green materials world. J Polym Environ. 2002;10(1–2):19–26.
  18. John MJ, Thomas S. Biofibres and biocomposites. Carbohydr Polym. 2008;71(3):343-364.
  19. Kabir MM, Wang H, Lau KT, Cardona F. Chemical treatments on plant-based natural fibre reinforced polymer composites: An overview. Compos Part B Eng. 2012;43(7):2883–2892.
  20. Yan L, Chouw N, Jayaraman K. Flax fibre and its composites – A review. Compos Part B Eng. 2014;56:296–317.
  21. Shah DU. Developing plant fibre composites for structural applications by optimising composite parameters: a critical review. J Mater Sci. 2013;48:6083–6107.
  22. Jawaid M, Khalil HPSA. Cellulosic/synthetic fibre reinforced polymer hybrid composites: A review. Carbohydr Polym. 2011;86(1):1–18.
  23. Ramesh M. Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) fibre reinforced polymer composite materials: A review on preparation, properties and prospects. Prog Mater Sci. 2019;102:109–166.
  24. Wambua P, Ivens J, Verpoest I. Natural fibres: Can they replace glass in fibre reinforced plastics? Compos Sci Technol. 2003;63(9):1259–1264.
  25. Pothan LA, Thomas S, Neelakantan NR. Short banana fiber reinforced polyester composites: Mechanical, failure and aging characteristics. J Reinf Plast Compos. 1997;16(8):744–765.
Special Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
Special Issue 01
Received 16/08/2025
Accepted 06/11/2025
Published 12/02/2026
Publication Time 180 Days
113

Login


My IP

PlumX Metrics