Comprehensive Experimental Analysis of the Mechanical Properties and Enhancements of Natural Fiber Composites

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Special Issue 04 | Page : 45 53
    By

    G Ashwin Prabhu,

  • Eanest Jebasingh,

  • Vishnu S Aher,

  • Ameeth Basha I,

  • A Sargunaraj,

  • V Gopal,

  • Pranav Raj M,

  • Naveen Samuel N,

  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, SRM Madurai College for Engineering and Technology, Nedungulam Main Rd, Pottapalaiyam, Tamil Nadu, India
  3. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Amrutvahini College of Engineering, Pune – Nashik Hwy, Ghulewadi, Sangamner, Ahmednagar, Maharshtra, India
  4. Professor, Department of Chemistry, School of Arts and Science, Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation, deemed to be University, VM Chennai Campus, OMR, Paiyanoor, Tamil Nadu,
  5. Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Jerusalem College of Engineering, Main Block, Velachery Rd, Narayanapuram, Pallikaranai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  6. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, KCG College of Technology, OMR, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Karappakkam, 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

This research investigates the mechanical characteristics of bio-composites reinforced using jute and sisal fibers. Natural fibers have emerged as promising alternatives because of their low density, renewability, biodegradability and approving mechanical properties. The research involved fabricating bio-composite plates using the hand lay-up method with varying orientations of jute and sisal fibers. The mechanical parameters, including  tensile strength, impact strength, and flexural strength, were rigorously assessed and compared across various fiber orientations. The results revealed that composites with a 90-degree fiber orientation expressed loftier tensile and flexural strengths compared to those with a 45-degree orientation. The 90-degree oriented composite exhibited a tensile strength of 31.84 MPa and a flexural strength of 88.2 MPa, while the 45-degree oriented composite showed a tensile strength of 26.21 MPa and a flexural strength of 43.7 MPa. Contrarily, the 45-degree oriented composite displayed a significantly higher impact strength of 24.6 kJ/m² compared to 11.59 kJ/m² in the 90-degree oriented composite. The results indicate that the orientation of fibers is essential in influencing the mechanical performance of composites reinforced with natural fibers. The 90- degree orientation is recommended for applications requiring higher tensile and flexural strengths, whereas the 45-degree orientation offers better impact resistance. These bio-composites holds a great potential for applications in the aerospace, automotive and construction industries, where material sustainability, weight reduction and mechanical efficiency are critical. The study underscores the viability of using natural fibers as ecofriendly augmented materials in composite structures, promoting a shift towards greener alternatives in material engineering.

Keywords: Jute fibers, sisal fibers, fiber-matrix adhesion, bio-composites, chemical treatment.

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

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How to cite this article:
G Ashwin Prabhu, Eanest Jebasingh, Vishnu S Aher, Ameeth Basha I, A Sargunaraj, V Gopal, Pranav Raj M, Naveen Samuel N. Comprehensive Experimental Analysis of the Mechanical Properties and Enhancements of Natural Fiber Composites. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(04):45-53.
How to cite this URL:
G Ashwin Prabhu, Eanest Jebasingh, Vishnu S Aher, Ameeth Basha I, A Sargunaraj, V Gopal, Pranav Raj M, Naveen Samuel N. Comprehensive Experimental Analysis of the Mechanical Properties and Enhancements of Natural Fiber Composites. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(04):45-53. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=210066


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Special Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Special Issue 04
Received 27/12/2024
Accepted 04/03/2025
Published 13/05/2025
Publication Time 137 Days
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