Mechanical performance studies on Vetiveria zizanioides/jute/glass fiber-reinforced hybrid polymeric composites

In this study, a new biodegradable hybrid composite material is developed with natural Vetiveria zizanioides (vetiver), woven jute, and commercially available E-glass as reinforcing fibers and vinyl ester as the resin. Vetiver fibers are pretreated with distilled water and alkali followed by heat treatment. Nine composite specimens are prepared by varying the proportions of natural and glass fibers in each and maintaining the resin content as a constant. The specimens are tested for tensile, compressive, flexural, and impact strengths. The results revealed that the chemical treatment to the vetiver fiber shows a substantial improvement in the mechanical properties of hybrid composite material. Also, by proper selection of fiber proportions, glass fibers can be replaced by natural fibers without losing the mechanical properties.