STUDY ON MECHANICAL AND TRIBOLOGICAL BEHAVIOUR OF SISAL, ABACA AND SUN-HEMP HYBRID REINFORCED EPOXY COMPOSITES

In the récent years, there is a rise in utilization of natural composites in the day to day life. These are replacing the non-bio degradable materials with low manufacturing cost and better strength in the long run. Therefore the objective of our work is to investigate and compare the results of three natural fibres - Sisal, Abaca, Sun hemp. The mechanical properties like Tensile, Flexural, Hardness, Impact and tribological properties with the pin-on-disc equipment are analysed by combining the natural fibres with Epoxy LY556 resin and Hardener HY951 in a certain ratio. The tests have to be repeated for the given three fibres and à total of 15 specimens are tested which are prepared by hand layup technique. The specimens are set up according to ASTM norms and obtained specimens are tested and properties were noted down. From the results, it is observed that Sun-Hemp exhibited superior Tensile and Flexural properties, whereas Sisal exhibited high Impact and Hardness strength. Sun-hemp has the good wear properties with lowest wear rate of 85 micromètres when compared with other two composites. With these observations, design engineers will have the opportunity to select the suitable composite for the industrial purpose