Abstract:
New sources of material that are more reliable, lighter, and less expensive than traditional
materials are constantly being researched. Aloe vera stem and raffia palm petiole fibers,
which are widely available, have never been investigated as hybrid fiber with polyester
composite material. Additionally, aloe vera stem fiber is a newly identified natural fiber.
Hence, it's essential to figure out how hybridization affects the mechanical and physical
properties of them. Five distinct samples were developed by altering the hybrid fiber mass
fraction with a constant matrix (30 wt.% hybrid fiber to 70 wt.% matrix) and hand layup
method was utilized. The developed composite materials were then evaluated for tensile
strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, impact strength, and water absorption
tests. The final findings show that the fiber proportion had an important impact on the
mechanical and water absorption properties of the hybrid composite material. An increase
in tensile strength, compressive strength and flexural strength were observed as raffia palm
fiber content increased from 0 to 30 wt.%. Best tension, compression, and three-point
bending strength results were obtained from the 30% raffia palm/70% polyester sample;
120.4 MPa, 131.13 MPa, and 11.08 GPa, respectively. These mechanical qualities were
decreased as the amount of raffia palm fiber decreased in the other four samples. On the
other hand, the best water absorption behavior was obtained from the 30% aloe vera/70%
polyester sample, and the water absorption quality dropped with the addition of raffia palm
fiber proportion. Alternatively, the maximum impact strength of 1.21 J/mm
2
was attained
by combining 10% aloe vera, 20% raffia palm, and 70% polyester. Based on
the mechanical and physical evaluations, the hybrid aloe vera and raffia palm fibers
composite materials can be used for boot liner, side and door panels, rear storage shelf, and
roof cover.
Keywords: Aloe Vera fiber, Raffia Palm fiber, Polyester matrix, Composite material,
Mechanical and physical properties