ADVANCED HYBRID BIO-COMPOSITE REINFORCED WITH NATURAL FIBRES USED IN THE FABRICATION OF LAMINATES

Abstract

The use of natural fibres as a replacement for traditional glass fibres and carbon fiber in composites has gained increasing importance in recent years as environmental concerns have led to a quest for sustainable alternatives. This paper presents the results of studies undertaken to evaluate various mechanical properties of hybrid carbon - hemp composites and fiber glass - hemp composites to assess the suitability traditional carbon and glass fibers used in composites composition. Hemp fibres, in the form of non-woven mat, randomly oriented in two dimensions, glass fibres in strand mat form and carbon fiber were used. The matrix was a polyester resin with rapid hardening characteristics - DERAKANE resin . The combination of a hand lay-up method, followed by compression moulding, was used in the fabrication of laminates