Mechanical, chemical and sound absorption properties of glass/kenaf/waste tea leaf fiber-reinforced hybrid epoxy composites

This work aims to investigate the mechanical and sound absorption characteristics of industrial waste tea leaf fiber (WTLF), kenaf and E-glass fiber-reinforced hybrid epoxy composites through experimental studies. The WTLF and kenaf fibers were initially treated with 5% sodium hydroxide. Hybrid composites were fabricated by compression molding technique with a composition of 40 wt.% fiber and 60 wt.% matrix. The fabricated hybrid composites were subjected to mechanical and sound absorption studies as per ASTM standards. Results revealed better mechanical properties in the composites with 25 wt.% kenaf and 5 wt.% WTLF, whereas sound absorption characteristics were better for composites containing 25 wt.% WTLF and 5 wt.% kenaf fiber. The surface morphology of the fractured specimens such as fiber pullout and matrix crack was examined using scanning electron microscopy. Spectrum investigation of alkali-treated hybrid composites showed excellent interfacial bonding between the polymer and fiber compared to the untreated fiber.

Automated summary

This work investigates the mechanical and sound absorption characteristics of industrial waste tea leaf fiber, kenaf, and E-glass fiber-reinforced hybrid epoxy composites through experimental studies. The results reveal that certain ratios of fibers exhibit better performance in terms of mechanical properties and sound absorption characteristics.