The Effects of Stacking Sequence on the Mechanical and Water Absorption Properties of Areca-Pineapple Fiber-based Epoxy Composites

By hybridizing fibers, natural fibers are widely employed to substitute synthetic fibers in all feasible applications. The present study focuses on the development and characterization of hybrid Areca-Pineapple fiber epoxy composites with varied stacking sequences. Using the hand lay-up method, four types of stacking sequence-based epoxy composites were developed. ASTM standards were used to evaluate the mechanical and water absorption characteristics of the developed composites. Test results revealed that the ultimate tensile (53.433 MPa), flexural (60 MPa), compression (16.591 MPa), and Shore-D hardness (91) values were higher for three layers of pineapple fibers-based epoxy composites. At the same time, the three layers of areca fibers-based epoxy composites showed better impact (0.8 J) and water absorption properties (2.4%) due to the high amorphous contents of the fibers. Morphological studies carried out by a scanning-electron-microscope revealed stronger fiber-matrix bonding, resulting in higher mechanical test results.