The effect of hybrid ratio on the flexural properties of Arenga Pinnata fiber/E-glass fiber/polyester hybrid composites

Abstract

Hybrid ratio effect on flexural properties of sugar palm/E-glass fiber hybrid-reinforced polyester composites has been investigated. Before being embedded, the sugar palm fiber was taken off from its original mesh, washed, alkali-treated, and chopped into ~10 mm long. The specimens were cut from composite plates having different hybrid ratios, fabricated using cold pressed technique. The total fiber volume fraction was kept at ~0.21, where four hybrid ratios, and two span-to-depth ratios were used. The E-glass was arranged unidirectionally and placed right on the surface of a bottom mold and wetted using the matrix, and the SPF was then evenly poured on the wet E-glass arrangement in randomly oriented pattern. Specimen preparation and testing were carried out according to the ASTM D790 standard, where the E-glass sides were placed in tension sides of the beams. It was found that flexural strength, and strain at maximum stress significantly increase with the increase of hybrid ratio.