Thermo-Mechanical Characterization of Jute-Bamboo Hybrid Thermoplastic Polymer Matrix Composites with Different Stacking Sequences for Automobile Applications

Natural fiber composites are increasingly replacing synthetic fibers in today's world due to their numerous benefits. The current study focuses on the production and characterization of hybrid composites incorporating jute/bamboo fibers with a variety of stacking sequences created by the hand layup process. Tensile, flexural, impact, and interlaminar shear strength, Shore D hardness, flammability, and water absorption qualities of manufactured stacking sequences were all examined. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) was used to examine the thermal characteristics of the produced composites. The tensile-fractured surface was studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The obtained results revealed that the tensile, impact and flexural strength of the hybridized composite Bamboo/Jute/Jute/Bamboo (BJJB) was better compared to its counterparts. The hybridization of the composites proved beneficial against impact resistance compared to non-hybridized composites. The flammability of the Jute/Jute/Jute/Jute (JJJJ) composite and the thermal stability of the Bamboo/Bamboo/Bamboo/Bamboo (BBBB) composite is found to be better compared to its counterparts. The fracture mechanism involved in the proposed composites is studied with the help of SEM images. The proposed composites are found to be suitable for light load conditions of automobiles and building equipment.