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INTRODUCTION
The growing demand for lighter, stronger and cheaper materials puts pressure on
researchers to produce materials having high strength, high stiffness, high fracture toughness and
good damping properties. In order to meet these requirements, the researchers have developed a
material called composite. Composites find extensive applications in various industries like
automotive, defense, aerospace etc. Over the past decade, the demand and awareness regarding
greener and sustainable materials and products has been increased. Due to this natural fiber
reinforced polymer composites, which belong to the category of biocomposite, seems to be a
viable material option so as to help in closing the carbon cycle and manufacturing greener plastic
parts. A good advantage of using natural fiber composite is that they can be produced using a
variety of plant’s feedstock from around the world. The use of natural fibers as reinforcement in
polymer composite is increasing due to their lesser cost, lower density and environmental
friendly nature (biodegradable). Natural fibers have the disadvantage of being hydrophilic in
nature due to which a strong interface between polymer matrix and fiber could not be formed,
which in turn reduces the strength of the resulting polymer composites. As natural fibers are
derived from lignocellulose, thus they contain strongly polarized hydroxyl groups that may be
involved in the hydrogen bonding within cellulose molecules which in turn reduces activity of
these fibers toward the polymer matrix. To increase interfacial adhesion between natural fiber
and polymer matrix and to make fiber hydrophobic, some chemical modifications like
mercerization, isocyanate treatment, acrylation, acetylation, silane treatment and use of coupling
agents have been reported in the literature. The treatments like mercerization or alkali treatment
of natural fibers cause breakdown of fiber bundle into smaller fibers. Alkali treatment reduces
fiber diameter, increases the aspect ratio and produces rough surface, due to which a strong
interface between fiber and matrix in achieved and therefore mechanical properties are increased.
It also allows better fiber wetting [4]. Some coupling agents like maleic anhydride are also added
to increase compatibility of fiber and matrix. The coupling agents form bond with hydroxyl
group (OH) of natural fiber which then combines with the polymer matrix to increase interfacial
adhesion and improving mechanical properties of the natural fiber reinforced polymer
composites [5]. In most of the work reported, the researchers have used only one type of natural
fiber as reinforcement in polymer matrices. But a new idea to get improved mechanical
properties over single fiber reinforced polymer composites by reinforcing two or more types of

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natural fibers in the same matrix (i.e hybridization) is causing much attention from the
researchers [6]. The hybrid composites derive benefits from each of the individual fibers and
show a synergetic response. By hybridization, we can achieve a balance between cost and
performance which cannot be achieved by single fiber reinforcement. The properties of hybrid
composites are weighted sum of corresponding properties of individual constituents [7].

2. SISAL AND HEMP FIBER

Sisal plants consist of a rosette of fleshy leaves growing from a central bud. The leaves
are dagger shaped and when mature 1 m to 1.5 m long and about 10 cm wide. Young plants may
have minute spines along the edge of the leaf, but they soon loose them, with only the sharp tip
remaining. The leaves are heavy, weighing 500 to 700 grams each, 90% of the weight being
moisture. Despite the high water content, the fleshy pulp is firm and the leaves are rigid.
The plants grow for 7 to 12 years and then produce a flower stalk 4 to 6 metres tall and die.
Although some flowers produce seeds, sisal plants are usually sterile and most propagation is by
bulbils produced in the flower stalk, or by suckers that appear at the base of the plant. Sisal fibre
is very long, with an average length of 0.6 to 1.2 m and it is creamy white to yellowish in colour.
It is coarse and strong, durable and has the ability to stretch. It also has good insulation
properties and it is highly resistant to bacterial damage and to deterioration in saltwater.
The fibre lies along the length of the leaf, being most abundant near the surface of the leaf where
it is long and strong. The interior fibres are weaker, and they are usually removed during
processing. Sisal fiber is extracted by a process known as decortication, where leaves are
crushed and beaten by a rotating wheel set with blunt knives, so that only fibers will remain.
Hemp fiber is a natural fiber typically found in the northern hemisphere, is a variety of the
“Cannabis Sativa” plant species that is grown specifically for the industrial uses of its derived
products. It is one of the fastest growing plants and was one of the first plants to be spun into
usable fiber; it can be refined into a variety of commercial items including papers, textiles,
clothing, biodegradable plastics, paints, insulation, bio-fuel and animal feed.Hemp fiber has
many qualities including strength, durability and absorbency that make it very desirable to use in
a wide range of products. Not all fibers are created equal given their differing physical
properties, bast and core fibers have different ideal end uses.

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3. LITERATURE REVIEW

3.1 Fabrication and evaluation of mechanical properties of alkaline treated

sisal/hemp fiber reinforced hybrid composite.

Fiber reinforced polymer composite have acquired a dominant place in variety of

applications because of higher specific strength and modulus, the plant based natural fiber are
partially replacing currently used synthetic fiber as reinforcement for polymer composites. In this
research work going to develop a new material which posses a strength to weight ratio that for
exceed any of the present material. The hybrid composite sisal/hemp reinforced with epoxy
matrix has been developed by compression moulding technique according to ASTM standards.
Sodium hydroxide (NAOH) was used as alkali for treating the fibers. The amount of
reinforcement was varied from 10% to 50% in steps of 10%. Prepared specimens were examined
for mechanical properties such as tensile strength, flexural strength, and hardness. Hybrid
composite with 40wt% sisal/hemp fiber were found to posses higher strength (tensile strength =
53.13 Mpa and flexural strength = 82.07Mpa) among the fabricated hybrid composite specimens.
Hardness value increases with increasing the fiber volume. Morphological examinations are
carried out to analyze the interfacial characteristics, internal structure and fractured surfaces by
using scanning electron microscope. Chopped sisal and hemp fibers were used as reinforcement
materials. Sisal and hemp fibers were procured from Sree Laxmi Groups, Vijayawada, Andhra
Pradesh, India. Epoxy resin (MY740) and corresponding hardener-Amine based (HY 941) were
used to fabricate hybrid bio-composite. This is a low temperature curing epoxy system. The
matrix material was prepared with mixture of araldite epoxy and hardener at a ratio of 10:1.
NaOH treatment removes cementing materials present in the fiber namely lignin, hemicelluloses,
pectin and waxes thus increase the surface area of the fiber. Increased fiber surface area leads to
the better adhesion of the fiber and matrix thus increasing the tensile strength and other
mechanical properties and also improves wettability[8].Washed and dried sisal and hemp fibers
were taken in separate trays, to these trays 10% NaOH solution was added, and the fibers were
soaked in the solution for 10 hours. The fibers were then washed thoroughly with water to
remove the excess of NaOH sticking to the fibers. Treated sisal and hemp fibers were dried in
sun light for two days before using as reinforcement in the synthesis of composite.

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3.1.1 PREPARATION OF COMPOSITE

A simple compression molding method was used to prepare the hybrid composites (sisal
and hemp fibers) in cast iron mold at high pressure. Hydraulic pressing machine was used to
fabricate the hybrid composite specimens. The mould was prepared according to the ASTM
standard, the dimension of the mould is 250×250 ×6 mm. We prepared the specimens as that of
mould size, the image of fabricated composite specimen as shown in below fig.1and after that we
cut specimen according to the ASTM standard for evaluating the mechanical properties such as
tensile and flexural test. Both male and female die are coated with wax polish to insure that the
part will not adhere to the mould. Epoxy resin and hardener (10:1) were mixed in a bowl to
prepare the matrix material. Sisal and hemp fibers were mixed and added in to matrix. The
percentages of fibers used are 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% by weight[9]. A well-mixed
mixture of matrix and fibers was poured into the female die cavity. The male die was placed on
the female die and pressurized to 410.4 kg/cm2 from hydraulic pressing machine for 3 hours.
Test specimens of required size are cut out of the composite manufactured after curing.

3.1.2 RESULT AND DISCUSSION

The tensile and flexural strength of hybrid composite increases with increasing fiber
content up to 40 wt% probably due to the chemical bonding at the interface between fiber and
matrix may be too strong to transfer strength. Sisal and hemp fiber are of higher modulus. Higher
fiber concentration demands higher stress for the same deformation. Therefore, incorporation of
sisal and hemp fibers into soft epoxy resin matrix resulted in increases of the strength. Further
addition of fibers i.e (50 wt %) leads to decreases the strength.When the amount of fibers is not
enough to restrain the matrix, large stresses will be developed at low strains and the distribution
of these stresses will not be uniform. But after 40% fiber loading the fibers is sufficient to
restrain the matrix, the stress distribution will be uniform and therefore the fibers start
reinforcing the matrix.

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3.1.3 CONCLUSION

The mechanical properties of fabricated sisal/hemp fiber reinforced hybrid composites

are evaluated. The following conclusions have been derived from the experimental
investigations.

1. The successful fabrication of Sisal/Hemp Fiber Reinforced Hybrid Composites with

different percentage of fiber loading can be achieved by compression molding method.

2. 40 wt% of sisal/hemp fibers reinforced hybrid composite exhibits more tensile and
flexural strength (tensile strength = 53.13Mpa; flexural strength = 82.07Mpa.) than other
hybrid composites.

3. The hardness strength of sisal/hemp fiber reinforced epoxy resin hybrid composites
increases with the increasing the wt% of fiber content

4. From the morphological observations the interfacial characteristics, internal structures of

the fractured surfaces, fiber failure mode, fiber pull out are clearly observed.

3.2 Synthesis and Characterization of Sisal & Hemp Fiber Reinforced

Hybrid Composite

Now a days, natural fibers such as sisal, flax, hemp, jute, bamboo, banana, coir etc. are
widely used for environmental concern. In this work, a new material was developed which
possess high strength to weight ratio. Two natural fibers such as sisal and hemp reinforced with
epoxy matrix. These fibers were treated with NAOH (alkali treatment) for better fiber matrix
adhesion, the hybrid composites were prepared by compression molding technique at room
temperature with applied pressure 410.4 kg/cm2 for 3 hours pressurization time. The mechanical
properties were characterized according to standards. The amount of reinforcement varied was
10%, 20%, 30% and 40%. Prepared specimens were examined for mechanical properties such as
tensile strength and flexural strength. Hybrid composite with 30% wt of sisal & hemp fiber were
found to posses higher strength (tensile strength = 24.70Mpa; and flexural strength = 93.98Mpa)
among the fabricated hybrid composite specimens. Both sisal and hemp fibers were chopped in
to small size of about 10-15mm. The chopped fibers were initially washed in tap water and then
soaked in 10 % NaOH solution for 10 hours. The NaOH treated fibers were again washed in

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distilled water three times to remove the sticking NaOH on fiber surface and then dried for 3
days in sunlight to completely remove moisture.

3.2.1 Preparation of Hybrid Composite

The traditional compression molding method was used to prepare the composite
specimens. A mould with the dimension of 250 mm ×250mm × 6mm was used to prepare the
composite specimen. A layer of Wax polish was applied to the male die and female die to obtain
good surface finishing of the specimens. After 10 minutes a thin layer of poly vinyl alcohol
(PVA) was coated to the both molds to facilitate easy ejection of the specimens from mold after
drying. Epoxy resin and hardener were mixed in the ratio of 10:1 to prepare the matrix and 10wt
% of fibers are added to matrix and mixed well in a boul. A well mixed matrix and fibers mixture
was poured into the female die cavity. The male die was placed on the female die and
pressurized to 410.4 kg/cm2 from hydraulic pressing machine for 3 hours. The required
specimens were extracted from the prepared composite for evaluation of mechanical properties.

3.2.2 RESULT AND DISCUSSION

The 30%wt. sisal & hemp fiber reinforced hybrid composites shows more tensile and
flexural strength than other hybrid composites. Shore-D hardness number increases with
increasing the fiber percentage in composite.

3.2.3 CONCLUSION

Experimental investigation of tensile strength, flexural strength and shore-D hardness

number properties of different wt% of sisal & hemp fibers reinforced epoxy resin hybrid
composites lead to the following conclusions.

1. The natural fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composites are successfully fabricated using
Compression molding technique.

2. 30%wt. sisal & hemp fiber reinforced hybrid composites discloses more tensile strength
(24.70 MPa) than other hybrid composites.

3. 30%wt. sisal & hemp fiber reinforced hybrid composites discloses more flexural strength
(93.98 MPa) than other hybrid composites.

4. Shore-D hardness number increases with increasing the fiber percentage.

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3.3 Effect of Fiber Orientation on Mechanical Properties of Sisal Fiber Reinforced Epoxy
Composites

Fiber reinforced polymer composites are being used in almost every type of applications
in our daily life and its usage continues to grow at an impressive rate. The manufacture, use and
removal of traditional composite structures usually made of synthetic fibers are considered
critically because of the growing environmental pollution. It creates interest in the use of
biofibers as reinforcing components for thermoplastics and thermo sets. Sisal fiber (SF), a
member of the Agavaceae family is a biodegradable and environmental friendly plant. Sisal fiber
is a strong, durable, stable and versatile material and it has been recognized as an important
source of fiber for composites. It is generally accepted that the mechanical properties of fiber
reinforced polymer composites are controlled by factors such as nature of matrix, fiber-matrix
interface, fiber volume or weight fraction, fiber aspect ratio, fiber orientation etc. The
combination results in superior properties not exhibited by the individual materials.Many
composite materials are composed of just two phases one is termed as matrix phase, which is
continuous and surrounds the other phase often called the dispersed phase. Proper design of a
composite system subjected to high loading rates can be accomplished only if the strain rate
sensitivity of the material has been measured and the modes of failure and energy absorption are
well characterized.

3.3.1 Composite Preparation

Mold is used for preparing the specimen which is made up of EN90 steel and having
dimensions of 250× 250 ×5 mm. First, the mould is polished and then a mould releasing agent is
applied on the surface used to facilitate easy removal of the composite from the mold. The epoxy
resin LY556 and hardener (HY951) is mixed in a ratio of 10:1 by weight as used. The weight
percentage of fiber used is 250 grams. The sisal fiber are placed over the mold at required
orientation manually and then required amount of epoxy resin was poured over it. The process is
continued until the required thickness and weight percentage of fiber was obtained. For each
time a roller was used to roll over the fiber in order to remove the air bubbles from it. It can
pressed in a hydraulic press at the temperature of 120℃ for 30 minutes and a pressure of 35
kg/cm2 for 45 minutes is applied before it is removed from the mould. After this sample is post
cured at atmosphere for three hours of time according to the manufacturer’s guidance.

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3.3.2 Chemical Treatment

Alkali treatment or mercerization using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is the most commonly
used treatment for bleaching and cleaning the surface of natural fibers to produce high-quality
fibers. 5% NaOH solution was prepared using sodium hydroxide pellets and distilled water.
When the percentage of NaOH is increased it affect the fibers properties by reduce the bonding
capacity during preparation of composites. Sisal fibers were then dipped in the solution for 2
hour separately. Then it is washed with running water. It was then kept in hot air oven for 3
hours at 80℃.

3.3.3 Conclusions

In the present work three types of orientations were achieved as per ASTM standards
were used for testing. The part might require 0° to react to axial loads, 45° to react to shear loads,
and 90° to react to side loads. The experimental investigation on the effect of fiber orientation on
the treated sisal fiber reinforced epoxy composites leads to following conclusion. The
mechanical properties such as tensile strength and flexural strength shows the maximum value of
38.84 Mpa and 151.22 Mpa in the 90° orientation (uni directional) compared to others. Generally
sisal fibers possess good impact absorbing properties. The charpy impact strength of treated sisal
fiber reinforced composites show the orientation 90° (uni directional) yielded the maximum
impact strength of 3.53 J.

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4. Objectives of the Research Work

The objectives of the project are outlined below.

 To develop a new class of natural hybrid fiber based polymer composites to explore the
potential of hemp and sisal fiber.

 Evaluation of mechanical properties such as: tensile modulus, hardness, impact strength
etc.

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