Mechanical characteristics of kenaf-glass fiber reinforced hybrid composites by varying the stacking sequences

Fiber composite materials are preferred for their lightweight, low-cost, and commercial uses. As part of this study, laminate materials consisting of two different fiber materials as their reinforcement materials are produced using the hand layup method. This study investigates the mechanical properties of hybrid composite laminates fabricated using kenaf and glass fibers. Six stacking arrangements of the fibers are examined, alongside two reference laminates with individual reinforcements. Epoxy resins HY951 and LY556 serve as matrix materials. ASTM standards guide the mechanical testing of the composites. Results indicate varied tensile strengths based on stacking sequence, with laminate L2 (KKGKK) featuring a single glass fiber core at 75 MPa, and increasing strengths in laminates with additional glass layers: L1 (GKKKG) at 123 MPa, L5 (KGKGK) at 110 MPa, L3 (GKGKG) at 150 MPa, L6 (KGGGK) at 118 MPa, and L4 (GGKGG) at 159 MPa, the highest among all. It was observed that adding one layer of glass fiber with kenaf fiber boosts strength and modulus by 9.52% and 12.19% respectively, compared to pure kenaf fiber composites. Morphological analysis via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) confirms failure due to initial crack propagation in the matrix and fibers. This study offers insights into hybrid composite laminate behavior, pertinent for various industrial applications.