Influence of <i>Parthenium Hysterophorus</i> and <i>Impomea Pes-caprae Fibers</i> Stacking Sequence on the Performance Characteristics of Epoxy Composites

Abstract

The application suitability of natural fibers is increased by the method of hybridization. The current study deals with the development and characterization of four different tri-layer composites by varying the stacking sequence of Parthenium hysterophorus and Impomea pes-caprae fibers with epoxy as a matrix, by using the conventional hand layup process. The mechanical properties, namely tensile, flexural, impact, Shore D hardness, and water absorption properties, were analyzed as per ASTM. The test results show that composites with upper layers of Impomea pes-caprae and a core layer of Parthenium hysterophorus fibers showed enhanced mechanical properties and reduced water absorption, thereby proving its suitability for lightweight medium load applications. Morphological studies using Scanning Electron Microscope elucidated the fiber bonding and void characteristics of the tested composites.