Enhancement of Mechanical Properties of Coir, Kapok, and Hemp Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites For a Variety of Applications

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Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Aeronautical Engineering, Dundigal, Hyderabad, India

2 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Saveetha Engineering College, Thandalam, Chennai, 602105, Tamil Nadu, India

3 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun, India

Abstract

Natural fiber composites (NFC), as the name implies, are created from natural resources and so have environmental benefits such as biodegradability. NFC has grown in popularity in recent years due to its natural properties in a wide range of applications, including automotive, commodities, structural, and infrastructure. The aim of this research is to use ineffective natural fibers to create effective societal applications. This work uses coir as a foundation material and hemp and kapok as fibers/filler materials. The weight proportion of coir was held constant, while the remaining two fibers/fillers were changed. To observe mechanical parameters, ductile, flexural, impact, and hardness tests were performed in line with ASTM regulations. The experimental results show that sample D (25% coir, 20% hemp, 5% kapok) demonstrated the highest mechanical performance, with a tensile strength of 66.28 MPa, flexural strength of 138.92 MPa, impact strength of 9 J/m², and hardness of 74.18 Shore D. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examinations of composite fracture surfaces revealed that fiber surface alteration occurred, improving fiber-matrix adhesion. These composites can be used for a wide range of industrial, commercial, and consumer-based advancements.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Mechanics of Advanced Composite Structures

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 17 July 2025

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