Development and characterization of hybrid hibiscus vitifolius and Malva fibers reinforced polyester composite for interior automotive body panel application

Abstract

• Composites made of Hibiscus vitifolius and Malva fibers are sustainable and environmental friendly. • The present work have inherently mechanical properties superior to plain fiber composites. • Simple and hybrid composites with different fiber orientations stacking sequence are studied. • Pure Malva fiber composite has in general superior properties and hybridization has less significant effect. • Pure Malva fiber composite is much preferable for automotive interior applications. The need for development of light-weight biodegradable and sustainable materials has led to the development of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites. Automobile interiors and many other domestic products, machine casings as well can be made out of these composites. Four layered composite laminates are prepared using Hibiscus vitifolius and Malva fiber mats layers of 0 o /90 o , 45 o /-45 o , 0 o /90 o ,-45 o /45 o directions. Tensile, compressive, impact, flexural, and water absorption tests were conducted as per the ASTM standards. The Malva (M) fiber composite (MMMM) has tensile, compressive, and flexural strengths of 118.13 MPa, 129.73, and 121.13 MPa, respectively, while the Hibiscus vitifolius (H) fiber composite (HHHH) has lower water absorption of 0.8530 %. Highest tensile strength is found for MHMH composite while highest compressive, flexure, impact and lowest water absorption properties are obtained for MMMM composite.