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Muhammad Farhan,
Indran Suyambulingam,
- Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Alliance School of Applied Engineering, Alliance University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
- Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Alliance School of Applied Engineering, Alliance University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Abstract
Increased demand for sustainable materials in the aerospace industry has stimulated the research of natural fibre reinforced polymer composites for specific use in the interior of aircraft. The present work explores the feasibility of jute/kenaf composite hybrid biocomposites for use in aircraft food tray with emphasis on fabrication of jute/kenaf hybrid composites, impact damage analysis of jute/kenaf hybrid composites and environmental issues. A hybrid composite was fabricated using hand lay-up and compression moulding technique with jute and kenaf fibres as reinforcement and epoxy as matrix. The fibres were treated with a 5% solution of NaOH to enhance fibre–matrix interfacial bonding and an eight-layer fibre arrangement used for the fabrication of the trays. Mechanical testing, such as tensile, flexural and impact testing, free-fall drop testing and dye-penetrant, to investigate potential damage, is also described. It also covers environmental and economic considerations of natural fibre composites versus traditional materials. But the quantitative mechanical and impact test data and the rationale used for the reported environmental and cost comparisons need to be better documented. The study is a preliminary investigation of jute/kenaf hybrid biocomposites used for aircraft interior parts; further experimental validation needs to be carried out to evaluate the mechanical performance, durability, safety and suitability of the jute/kenaf hybrid biocomposites in aerospace applications.
Keywords: Hybrid biocomposites, Food tray, Sustainable alternative, Aerospace materials, Aircraft interior components.
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Journal of Aerospace Engineering & Technology
| Volume | 16 | |
| 03 | ||
| Received | 14/09/2026 | |
| Accepted | 27/10/2026 | |
| Published | 02/11/2026 | |
| Publication Time | 49 Days |