Research Article

HYBRID NATURAL FIBER REINFORCED EPOXY COMPOSITES: THE ROLE OF SUGARCANE AND COW HAIR

ISSN: 3067-2589

DOI Prefix: 10.5281/zenodo.

Authors: Esther Chioma Okonkwo, Olumide James Adebayo
Published: Volume 11, Issue 2 (2024)
Date: July 7, 2025

Abstract

Several works have been carried out using natural fibres as reinforcement in polymer matrix for several applications. This research work investigated mechanical and physical properties of varying single and hybrid reinforced composites using cow hair and sugar cane bagasse fibres sourced from both animal and plant waste. Homogenous mixture of the reinforcements and matrix were poured into their respective mould and allowed to cure before removal and allow further curing at ambient temperature within 21 days. The developed composites after curing were evaluated for flexural, hardness and wear in accordance with ASTM standards. The morphology of the fractured surfaces of the composites and the reinforcements were observed using scanning electron microscope. The results shows that both bagasse and cow hair fibers aided the improvement in the selected properties over unreinforced epoxy. Sample with 15 wt% sugarcane bagasse fiber reinforced epoxy composite has 3.11 GPa for flexural modulus while sample with 12 wt.% cow hair fiber and hybrid reinforced sample had 72 HS to emerged as the most improved samples for hardness. Sample with 3wt % cow hair fiber was the best in wear resistance with a value of 0.065 g. Thus, significant enhancement can be attained with the use of animal and plant-based reinforcements in epoxy matrix needed for structural applications in other to advance the use of eco-friendly materials in composite development