Fabrication and Characterization of Hybrid Polymer Matrix Composite Reinforced with Nettle, Sisal and Glass Fiber

Abstract

In modern industries, the majority of the conventional materials have been replaced by Natural fiber composites due to their high strength to weight ratio, biodegradable, eco-friendly environment, etc. Moreover, natural fibers are abundantly available and can be extracted easily from their trees. Based on various literature surveys, natural fibers are the best alternative for the Engineering and Manufacturing industries. The main goal of this thesis is to fabricate and characterize different mechanical properties of hybrid polymer matrix composite reinforced with nettle, sisal, and glass fiber. It is observed that nettle fiber, which can be extracted from its bast is abundantly available in Ethiopia and is not yet used widely as composite materials. This work started with plant harvesting (collecting) and fiber extraction then the composites were prepared with different fiber orientations. Different composition wt% of nettle and sisal fiber was used with 00 /900 and 450 orientation. Both fibers were extracted manually and treated with NaOH. 20NF:10SF, 15NF:15SF, and 10NF:20SF wt% composition with 00 /900 and 450 orientation was used by keeping wt% glass constant, which was 10%. The composites were manufactured by hand lay-up technique. Mechanical tests were performed to characterize the composites. The obtained tensile strength, impact strength, and hardness for sample 1 were 99MPa, 8.7J, 21.06 Hv, respectively with a low % of water absorption. But it has been a big drawback. The drawback was that it shows good mechanical property only if the applied load was carried out through the longitudinal direction of sisal fiber. Sample 5 solved those drawbacks. Tensile and impact strength of sample 5, specimen S5 and S5’ were 97MPa, 8.4J, and 91MPa, 6.9 J respectively. Therefore, hybrid composite with good mechanical property can be manufactured from locally available nettle fiber