Research studies on sisal and pineapple hybrid composites from a theoretical and empirical perspective

Abstract

This thesis investigates the use of natural fiber-reinforced composites newline(NFCs) as replacements for synthetic fibers in composite materials. A variety newlineof natural fibers, including jute, hemp, flax, sisal, pineapple, kenaf, and newlineothers, were evaluated. The composites were manufactured using the hand newlinelayup process and subjected to comprehensive mechanical, water absorption, newlineand chemical property testing. The research also included the complete newlinemanufacturing cycle of NFCs, from resin selection to molding techniques and newlinecuring conditions. Sisal and pineapple fibers were identified as the most newlinepromising candidates for NFCs due to their high cellulose content. Hybrid newlinecomposites made from these two fibers showed improved mechanical and newlinethermal properties after surface treatment. The hybrid composites had higher newlinetensile and flexural strength than the individual fiber composites. newlineCompression strength was also significantly improved in the hybrid newlinecomposites. Pineapple-reinforced epoxy composites showed superior water newlineabsorption, which was attributed to the high cellulose content of the pineapple newlinefibers. newlineA numerical study was conducted to investigate the mechanical and newlinephysical properties of sisal and pineapple fibers. The tensile properties of newlinethese fibers, including axial stiffness, strength, and strain, were simulated newlineusing a classical laminate theory. Sisal fibers, due to their higher cellulose newlinecontent, had higher axial stiffness and strength than pineapple fibers. newlinePineapple fibers, on the other hand, had better strain capacity due to their newlinesofter and more pliable nature. The optimal fiber orientations for achieving newlinethe best mechanical properties were also investigated. newline