Influence of fish-scale powder addition and stacking order on mechanical and thermal properties of hybrid kenaf/glass polyester composites

The increasing concern for the environment has driven a surge in popularity of utilizing modern technology to develop new products from renewable resources. To address this, polymer composites are incorporating various bio-waste materials as filler components. This study focuses on fabricating four-layered hybrid polyester laminates using kenaf (K), glass (G), and reinforced with fish scale (FS) powder at concentrations ranging from 5 wt.% to 15 wt.%. Mechanical properties are assessed following ASTM standards to evaluate the optimal FS filler percentage. The results reflect that the KGKG laminate with 15 wt. % FS exhibits utmost tensile strength and hardness, while the same laminate with 10 wt. % FS shows optimal flexural and impact properties. Further, numerical analysis is performed using ANSYS 19.0 software to validate the experimental findings. It is marked that, the results of numerical analysis are align intimately with the experimental data, with a deviation of 5 to 10%. Additionally, the moisture absorption behavior is investigated, and the results revealing that FS filler reduced moisture uptake and enhanced dimensional stability. Further, the study is extended to investigate the thermal attributes of laminates through Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). The fractured surface morphology are studied through Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) and the findings reveal significant occurrences of matrix cracking, fiber withdrawal, and the separation of fibers from the matrix. Overall, this study suggests the incorporation of FS bio-fillers into hybridized kenaf/glass laminates in order to improve performance and create environmentally friendly options that suitable for automotive applications.