Mechanical Characterization of Kevlar 49 and Pina Fiber Hybrid Composites

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

    G Ashwin Prabhu,

  • Frank Gladson T S,

  • D Srinivasan,

  • J M Babu,

  • K M Kumar,

  • Antony Leo F,

  • Kumanan T,

  • Mohamed Arshath M,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, St. Joseph’s College of Engineering, Old Mahabalipuram Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Velammal Engineering of Engineering, Ambattur – Redhills Road, Surapet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  3. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Loyola Institute of Technology, Palanchur. Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  4. Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Avadi, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  5. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, St. Joseph’s College of Engineering, Old Mahabalipuram Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  6. UG Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, St. Joseph’s College of Engineering, Old Mahabalipuram Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  7. UG Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, St. Joseph’s College of Engineering, Old Mahabalipuram Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  8. UG Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, St. Joseph’s College of Engineering, Old Mahabalipuram Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

The pursuit of sustainable yet high-performance materials has accelerated research into hybrid composites that combine synthetic and natural fibers. This study investigates the fabrication and characterization of a Kevlar 49/Pina fiber hybrid composite using epoxy resin as the matrix. Kevlar 49, known for its exceptional tensile strength and energy absorption, was employed as the face sheet material, while Pina fiber, a biodegradable reinforcement extracted from pineapple leaves, was incorporated as the core layer. The composite laminates were fabricated using the wet hand lay-up technique and evaluated for tensile, impact, flexural, hardness, and interlaminar shear properties following ASTM standards. The results demonstrated a tensile strength of 65.08 MPa with an average Young’s modulus of 3900 MPa, along with moderate ductility (~3.3% elongation). Impact resistance reached an average of 21.2 kJ/mm2, indicating effective energy dissipation through synergistic Kevlar fibrillation and Pina fiber pull-out mechanisms. Interlaminar shear strength averaged 125 MPa, confirming good interfacial bonding facilitated by alkali treatment of Pina fibers. Flexural strength at room temperature was 130 MPa but decreased with rising temperature, reflecting the thermal sensitivity of the epoxy matrix. Micro-Vickers hardness tests showed a mean value of 31.27 HV, highlighting moderate surface durability. Scanning Electron Microscopy further validated strong matrix adhesion, limited fiber pull-out, and crack deflection mechanisms contributing to toughness. The study establishes that Kevlar 49/Pina fiber hybrid composites offer a promising balance between performance and sustainability. Their combination of high impact resistance, moderate strength, and environmental benefits makes them suitable for protective gear applications, where energy absorption and structural integrity are critical.

Keywords: Hybrid composites; Kevlar 49; Pineapple fiber; Mechanical properties; Hand lay-up technique.

How to cite this article:
G Ashwin Prabhu, Frank Gladson T S, D Srinivasan, J M Babu, K M Kumar, Antony Leo F, Kumanan T, Mohamed Arshath M. Mechanical Characterization of Kevlar 49 and Pina Fiber Hybrid Composites. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):-.
How to cite this URL:
G Ashwin Prabhu, Frank Gladson T S, D Srinivasan, J M Babu, K M Kumar, Antony Leo F, Kumanan T, Mohamed Arshath M. Mechanical Characterization of Kevlar 49 and Pina Fiber Hybrid Composites. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=236363


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Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
01
Received 28/07/2025
Accepted 27/10/2025
Published 27/01/2026
Publication Time 183 Days
41

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