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The hybridization of natural and synthetic fibers in composite materials has gained the attention in the research field due to environmental awareness. Therefore, this study focuses on the effects of fiber stacking configuration on the tensile and quasi‐static penetration of kenaf/glass hybrid fiber metal laminates (FMLs). Kenaf/glass reinforced polypropylene FMLs with two different hybrid stacking configurations were prepared using hot compression process. Non‐hybrid kenaf and glass fiber reinforced metal laminates were also prepared for comparison. The tensile test was conducted according to ASTM E8, while the quasi‐static penetration test was carried out in accordance with ASTM D 6264 using 12.7 and 20 mm hemispherical indenters. The fractured surface of FMLs due to tensile loading was examined using scanning electron microscope, while optical micrograph was used to investigate the failure mechanism of quasi‐statically penetrated laminates. From the results, FMLs with the glass plies at the outer layers of composite (H1) showed a positive hybrid effect as they displayed better tensile and penetration resistance, compared to the non‐hybrid kenaf and glass reinforced FMLs. Furthermore, it could be seen that the overall performance of FMLs decreased as the kenaf content in the laminates further increases for hybrid FML. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:568–577, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid natural fiber polymer nanocomposites were prepared using various natural fibers (kenaf, coir, and wood), polypropylene, and montmorillonite nanoclay through the hot compression method. The effects of fiber hybridization and nanoclay content on the physico-mechanical and biodegradable properties of the synthesized composites were investigated. Fourier-transform infrared and scanning electron microscopic analyses indicated that the structure and surface morphology of composites were transformed after fiber hybridization and the subsequent nanoclay incorporation. X-ray diffraction pattern revealed that the percent crystallinity of hybrid nanocomposites significantly increased. Furthermore, the tensile strength and tensile modulus also significantly improved for the hybrid nanocomposites due to the addition of montmorillonite nanoclay. The biodegradability and water absorption tests were conducted. The results show that biodegradability of the nanocomposites decreased and water absorption increased due to the addition of montmorillonite nanoclay. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:583-587, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]