Work

The Interfacial Effect of Structural Optimization of Sugar Palm and Woven Carbon Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites on Mechanical, Thermal, Fire Resistance, and Morphological Performance

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The pursuit of sustainable, lightweight, and high-performance materials for structural and fire-critical applications has intensified interest in hybridizing natural and synthetic fibers. However, the mechanistic influence of stacking sequence design in sugar palm fiber (SPF)/woven carbon fiber (WCF) hybrid composites remains insufficiently understood. This study systematically examines nine epoxy-based laminate configurations, including five SPF/WCF hybrids (D1–D5) and four reference systems (D6–D9), to elucidate the role of fiber architecture on multifunctional performance. Mechanical testing revealed that the WCF-only laminate (D6) achieved the highest tensile strength (167.5 MPa) and flexural strength (268 MPa), while hybrid designs D1 (WCF/SPF/WCF) and D4 (WCF/SPF/WCF/SPF/WCF) demonstrated superior toughness and impact resistance (61.11 kJ/m2), confirming the ductility contribution of SPF. Dynamic mechanical analysis indicated that D1 retained 90.7% of D6’s storage modulus (17.5 GPa), evidencing efficient energy dissipation. Fire performance under UL-94 standards showed all composites achieved V1 classification, with D1 exhibiting a controlled vertical burning rate (8.12 mm/min), outperforming untreated SPF and neat epoxy. These findings establish stacking sequence as a decisive design parameter governing mechanical integrity, thermal stability, and flame retardancy, positioning SPF/WCF hybrids as viable candidates for sustainable, high-performance applications in structural and fire-sensitive environments.

Source: Journal of Natural Fibers

DOI: 10.1080/15440478.2026.2681896