Mechanical and Thermal Characterization of Hemp/Rice-Husk/E-Glass Fiber Cardanol Epoxy Matrix Hybrid Composites

In the present investigation, the mechanical and thermal properties of a hybrid epoxy matrix composite fabricated with natural hemp, rice husk fibers, synthetic E-glass fiber and phenolic cardanol bio-resin by hand lay-up process were studied. The composites were fabricated with varying weight concentrations of fillers and matrix. In this work, the effect of natural fiber and cardanol on the fiber-matrix bonding and the hybrid composite stability were studied. Tensile, flexural, Shore D hardness, Izod impact absorption, TGA, and DTA properties were studied. The results indicated improved thermal and dimensional stability with enhanced tensile performance of the specimens due to the superior bonding ability of cardanol leading to better fiber encapsulation. Cardanol also enhances the biodegradability of the hybrid composite.