Hybrid Epoxy Composites with Areca and Abaca Fibers: Effect of Nano-SiO₂ on Mechanical Properties

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This is an unedited manuscript accepted for publication and provided as an Article in Press for early access at the author’s request. The article will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and galley proof review before final publication. Please be aware that errors may be identified during production that could affect the content. All legal disclaimers of the journal apply.

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | 01 | Page :
    By

    G Sridevi,

  • Srikar Gemaraju,

  • Karimulla Syed,

  • Siva Sankara Babu Chinka,

  • Mangesh Dakhole,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Centurion University of Technology & Management, Odisha, India
  2. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ashoka Women & Engineering College, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India
  3. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education foundation, green fields, Vaddeswaram, Andhra Pradesh, India
  4. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lakireddy Balireddy College of Engineering, Mylavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India
  5. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, PES & Modern College of Engineering, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Maharshtra, India

Abstract

This study explores the fabrication and mechanical evaluation of sustainable epoxy-based hybrid composites reinforced with Areca fiber (ARF), Abaca fiber (ABF), and nano-silica (SiO₂). The composites were made using a hand layup process, maked five variants (S1–S5) with ARF content ranging from 0–40 wt% and nano-silica content from 0–8 wt%, while maintaining ABF as the primary reinforcement. Mechanical performance was assessed through tensile strength (TS), flexural strength (FS), and impact strength (IS) tests under both longitudinal and transverse loading conditions.The optimized formulation, containing 76% ABF, 20% ARF, and 4% nano-SiO₂, exhibited the highest overall mechanical properties, achieving superior strength and toughness compared to other compositions. This enhancement is accredited to enhanced fiber–matrix bonding, uniform filler dispersion, and efficient stress transfer between reinforcement phases. In contrast, higher nano-silica content (6–8 wt%) caused minor reductions in performance due to filler agglomeration and diminished effective fiber volume. This study presents the first systematic investigation of a novel ternary hybrid system combining Abaca fiber (ARF), Areca fiber (ABF), and nano-silica (SiO₂) in epoxy composites, advancing sustainable composite technology through agricultural waste valorization The results authorize that incorporating moderate levels of nano-silica into natural fiber hybrids significantly enhances their structural integrity while retaining lightweight and eco-friendly characteristics. The developed Areca–Abaca/nano-silica epoxy composites offer promising potential for sustainable engineering applications, particularly in automotive panels, construction elements, and protective packaging, where high mechanical strength and ecofriendly which are essential. This research underlines the viability of integrating agricultural waste fibers with nano-scale fillers to create high-performance, renewable composite materials.

 

Keywords: Areca fiber (ARF), Abaca fiber (ABF), and nano-silica (SiO₂), Hand layup process.

How to cite this article:
G Sridevi, Srikar Gemaraju, Karimulla Syed, Siva Sankara Babu Chinka, Mangesh Dakhole. Hybrid Epoxy Composites with Areca and Abaca Fibers: Effect of Nano-SiO₂ on Mechanical Properties. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):-.
How to cite this URL:
G Sridevi, Srikar Gemaraju, Karimulla Syed, Siva Sankara Babu Chinka, Mangesh Dakhole. Hybrid Epoxy Composites with Areca and Abaca Fibers: Effect of Nano-SiO₂ on Mechanical Properties. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=235717


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Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
01
Received 14/08/2025
Accepted 26/09/2025
Published 07/01/2026
Publication Time 146 Days
105

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