The main objective of this work was to investigate the effect of hybridization and the effect of chemical treatments on the mechanical properties of a novel intralaminar natural fibre hybrid composite. Jute, sisal and curauá fibres were selected as natural fibre reinforcements for the epoxy matrix based composites which were produced by hand lay-up technique. The total volumetric fraction used in the fabrication of the hybrid composites was 30% of fibres and 70% of epoxy resin. Tensile, flexural and impact tests were carried out according to ASTM standards to characterize the novel hybrid composites. It was found that the mechanical properties evaluated are significantly improved by addition of the natural fibres to pure jute based composites. The fibre treatments had different effects on the mechanical properties of the hybrid composites. For sisal reinforced hybrid composites, the alkaline treatment had a positive impact on the composite properties (tensile, flexural and impact), while for the jute + curauá hybrid composites the alkali treatment had a negative effect on the tensile and impact properties. The mixed (alkalization + silanization) treatment had a positive effect on the jute + curauá flexural properties, while decreased the flexural properties for the jute + sisal composite. A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the fracture surface of the tested specimens.@en

In this work, a comparative analysis of the mechanical and thermal properties of polyester and epoxy single and hybrid natural fibre-reinforced composites was performed. Pure jute, jute + curauá and jute + sisal composites with two distinct thermoset polymer resins (an epoxy and a polyester) were produced. Tensile, flexural and impact tests were carried out, in accordance to ASTM standards, to investigate and compare the mechanical properties of the composites as a function of matrix and hybridization. In addition, a thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to complete the comparative analysis of the thermal properties. Finally, a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the fracture surface of the tested specimens. It was found that the hybridization process improved the mechanical properties of the non-hybrid jute fibre based composites for both matrices used. The resin used as matrix plays an important role on the mechanical properties of the composites. The epoxy matrix based composites presented higher tensile strength, while the polyester based composites presented higher tensile and flexural stiffness as well as higher impact energy, when compared to the epoxy-based composite. TGA analysis showed that the thermal stability of epoxy-based composites was higher compared to the polyester-based composites.@en

Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites (NFRCs) have demonstrated great potential for many different applications in various industries due to their advantages compared to synthetic fiber-reinforced composites, such as low environmental impact and low cost. However, one of the drawbacks is that the NFRCs present relatively low mechanical properties and the absorption of humidity due to the hydrophilic characteristic of the natural fibre. One method to increase their performance is hybridization. Therefore, understanding the properties and potential of using multiple reinforcement’s materials to develop hybrid composites is of great interest. This paper provides an overview of the recent advances in hybrid natural fiber reinforced polymer composites. First, the main factors that affect the performance of hybrid fiber-reinforced composites were briefly discussed. The effect of hybridization on the mechanical and thermal properties of hybrid composites reinforced with several types of natural fibers (i.e., sisal, jute, curauá, ramie, banana, etc.) or natural fibers combined with synthetic fibers is pre-sented. Finally, the water absorption behaviour of hybrid fiber-reinforced composites is also discussed. It was con-cluded that the main challenges that need to be addressed in order to increase the use of natural-natural or natural-synthetic hybrid composites in industry are the poor adhesion between natural fibers and matrix, thermal stability and moisture absorption of natural fibers. Some of these challenges were addressed by recent development in fibers treatment and modification, and product innovation (hybridization).@en