Enhancing Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Hybrid Kenaf–Carbon Fiber Vinyl Ester Composites for Advanced Applications

Advanced engineering applications necessitate the creation of sustainable composites exhibiting exceptional mechanical and tribological properties. The point of this study was to investigate the mechanical and wear properties of hybrid composites made up of kenaf and carbon fibers mixed into a vinyl ester matrix and different amounts of Al₂O₃ filler added. Laminates were manufactured and assessed for tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength, interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), and wear resistance. The results showed that carbon fiber laminates (L2) had the highest tensile strength (523 MPa) because the fibers stuck to the matrix very well. On the other hand, kenaf-based laminates (L1) were better for the environment. The hybrid laminates (L3 and L4) attained a compromise between mechanical performance and environmental sustainability, exhibiting tensile strengths of 456 MPa and 410 MPa, respectively. Adding 5% Al₂O₃ filler to L5 made it 18.5% more resistant to wear, but it also made the ILSS drop by 6.4% and the flexural strength drop by 3.2% compared to hybrid laminates that did not have filler. These results show that kenaf–carbon hybrid composites with Al₂O₃ filler could be used as long-lasting materials for high-tech aerospace and automotive uses, meeting the important need for a balance between performance, durability, and impact on the environment.