Mechanical and tribological properties of snake grass fibers reinforced epoxy composites: effect of Java plum seed filler weight fraction

Abstract

Abstract Natural fiber composite materials are able to compete with common synthetic materials in situations where the strength-to-weight ratio is important. In this study, we aim to analyze the mechanical, tribological, and surface morphology of composites fabricated from randomly oriented snake grass natural fiber with java plum seed filler. Different weight ratios of fiber to seed filler are chosen: 30:0, 28:2, 26:4, 24:6, 22:8, and 20:10. A 70 % epoxy resin was kept constant in all compositions. The fabricated hybrid composite samples were subjected to tensile, flexural, shear, Shore D hardness, water absorption, and wear tests as per ASTM standards, and the results were compared with those of snake grass mono fiber composites. The 20:10 composite has the maximum tensile strength, impact resistance, flexural strength, hardness, water absorption, and wear resistance compared to other composites. The fiber/matrix adhesion was explored using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The 20:10 composite shows predominant mechanical and tribological characteristics, making it easier to utilize in structural and automotive applications.