Mechanical and thermal properties of cotton/bamboo/glass fiber reinforced hybrid epoxy composites for high performance applications
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: In recent years, natural fiber reinforced composites have gained considerable attention of industries and researchers due to their sustainability, lightweight and cost-effectiveness. This study explores the mechanical and thermal performance of cotton/bamboo/glass (C/B/G) fiber-reinforced hybrid epoxy composites fabricated via hand lay-up and compression molding with a focus on how fiber pre-treatment and chemical bonding mechanisms impact their properties. From the test results of carbon/glass (C/G), bamboo/glass (B/G) and cotton/bamboo/glass (C/B/G) fiber reinforced composites, it is observed that the C/B/G hybrid composite demonstrated superior results. This laminate attained a tensile strength of 121.82 MPa, which is 12.72% and 6.93% higher than that of C/G and B/G composites, respectively. Similarly, it gave the highest flexural strength of 145.73 MPa, impact strength of 58.37 kJ/m² (approximately 1.18% that of others) and compressive strength of 116.82 MPa, which is 6.47% higher than C/G (109.72 MPa) and 317.93% higher than B/G (28 MPa) composites. Furthermore, C/B/G showed the best interlaminar shear strength of 32.96 MPa, outperforming C/G (23.52 MPa) and B/G (27.21 MPa). Shore D hardness of the C/B/G composite was 11% and 19% higher than C/G and B/G, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed enhanced thermal stability, with 98% mass retention at 294.4 °C and final degradation at 438.9 °C. Despite a higher moisture absorption rate of 13.76%, compared to C/G (3.54%) and B/G (7.53%), the hybrid composite maintained structural integrity as supported by SEM and XRD analysis. These findings highlight hybrid natural-synthetic composites (C/B/G) as promising candidates for structural and thermal applications in automotive, aerospace and construction sectors, balancing performance with sustainability.
Source: Discover Materials
Language: English
Subfield: Polymers and Plastics
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,590
OpenAlex ID: W7203822137
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: