Green Composites for Future Applications: Investigating the Influence of CSP and GGBS on the Mechanical Properties of Bamboo-Jute-Sisal Natural Fiber Reinforced Hybrid Composites

In recent years, natural fiber reinforced composites (NFRCs) have gained significant attention due to their potential to replace synthetic fibers in various applications. This research focuses on developing green composite materials by combining sisal, jute, and bamboo natural fibers with epoxy resin filled with Coconut Shell Powder (CSP) and Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS). The composites were fabricated using hand layup and bag molding processes with varying fiber volume fractions of 5%, 10%, and 15%. The results showed that GGBS-filled composites exhibited superior tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength, with average tensile strength enhancements of 18.3% (Sisal), 19.9% (Jute), 15.3% (Bamboo), and 10.7% (Hybrid fibers). Additionally, GGBS-filled composites displayed higher Shore D hardness, with Bamboo-GGBS exhibiting a 14.45% higher hardness than Bamboo-CSP. Furthermore, water and oil absorption percentages were reduced by 24.5% (water) and 32.1% (oil) for Sisal, 22.1% (water) and 29.5% (oil) for Jute, 26.3% (water) and 34.1% (oil) for Bamboo, and 23.2% (water) and 30.5% (oil) for Hybrid. EDAX and SEM analyses confirmed the composition and microstructure of the developed NFRCs, revealing strong interfacial bonding, uniform filler distribution, and distinct energy levels of constituents. Overall, these NFRCs, made from Sisal, Jute, and bamboo fibers filled with CSP and GGBS, offer a durable and sustainable solution for various industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical devices, renewable energy, and construction.