Effect of stacking sequence on mechanical and moisture absorption properties of abaca-kenaf-carbon fiber reinforced hybrid composites.

Hybrid composite materials containing natural fibers are replacing conventional materials for automobile, aerospace and sports goods structural applications. Fiber extracted from plants and man-made fibers reinforced with polymer matrix find many applications because of improved characteristics, such as light weight and high strength. In this work, fabricated hybrid composites using chemically treated abaca, kenaf and carbon fiber reinforced with epoxy and teta hardener are studied. Hybrid composites have four stacking sequences and five layer composites made up of hand laid up then compression molding. Produced hybrid composites are subjected to various loads to determine the mechanical strength. Moisture absorption measured in the distilled water was used as the medium during water absorption test. Experimental results showed that the treated fiber hybrid composite provided higher mechanical strength and absorbed less moisture. The morphology of fractured surfaces was analyzed by electron microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]