Abstract:
Because natural fiber has benefit over synthetic fiber, such as low density, low price,
environmental friendliness, and widespread availability, industries are shifting away from
synthetic fiber. Natural fiber composites provide a number of important advantages, including high
mechanical performance of raw materials. Common natural fibers like sisal and enset are widely
accessible in Ethiopia. This study aims to fabricate and characterize a composite hybrid of Enset
and Sisal fibers with an epoxy binder. Both mechanical and physical properties of hybrid Enset
Sisal fiber reinforced composite such as Flexural strength, Tensile strength, Impact strength, and
physical properties of moisture absorption capacity and density investigated. The Sample
fabrication process begins with fiber extraction from both Sisal and Enset plants and then treated
with an optimum composition of 5wt. % NaOH (sodium hydroxide) and finally the test sample
had manufactured. Hand Lay-up with loading method was used to fabricate the sample by varying
volume fraction of Enset/sisal 0/40, 10/30, 20/20, 30/10, 40/0 with 60 volume % of epoxy resin in
random fiber orientation. A Hybrid of 30S/10E with 60% epoxy matrix shows the highest
mechanical properties like Tensile, Flexural, and Impact strength which are 41.87 MPa, 409.6
MPa, and good energy absorption capacity of 38 Joule respectively. The 30S/10E has the least
water absorption capacity compared with other composite. Generally the hybridization shows an
improvement in the mechanical properties. Finally, the mechanical properties of natural fiber
composite were analyzed using Finite element method simulation software (ANSYS) and its
suitability for automobile body panel application is proved.
