MECHANICAL & APPLIED SCIENCE DOMAIN
Published April 20, 2026 | Version v1
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Mechanical and Physical Behaviour of Hybrid Pineapple Leaf-Flax Fibre Reinforced Epoxy Composites: Influence of Fibre Weight Ratio on Performance

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Now a days natural fibre reinforced composites have attracted attention due to their low cost, lightweight characteristics, and environmental benefits. In this study, we have developed hybrid epoxy composites reinforced with pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) and flax fibres were fabricated using the hand lay-up method. In the present study we have developed three composite samples with varying fibre weight ratios: PF37 (30% PALF + 70% flax), PF55 (50% PALF + 50% flax), and PF73 (70% PALF + 30% flax). The specimens were evaluated for tensile, compressive, and impact properties. In addition, wear behaviour and water absorption characteristics were also evaluated. The results show that PF55 has the highest tensile strength of 34.84 MPa and maximum impact energy of 4.3 J, indicating better overall mechanical performance. PF37 shows the highest compressive strength of 70.37 MPa. Water absorption for all samples remained below 4%, with PF55 recording the lowest value of 3.02%. Based on the overall performance, PF55 is identified as the optimum hybrid composition due to its balanced mechanical, wear, and water absorption properties. This study highlights the potential of natural fibre hybrid composites as sustainable alternatives for semi-structural engineering applications.

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References

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