Physical performance of kenaf/jute mat reinforced epoxy hybrid composites

This paper deals about physical properties of jute/kenaf/jute (J/K/J) and kenaf/jute/kenaf (K/J/K) hybrid composites, exposed for seven week water immersion. Kenaf/jute hybrid composites fabricated by hand lay-up technique while maintaining total fibre loading of 30 wt%. An investigation of density, water absorption and thickness swelling of hybrid composites with three layering patterns, and pure epoxy matrix samples were carried out. The composites were immersed in distilled water for a period of 49 days and the desired readings were recorded. The data collections were taken at every odd day for the first week, namely days 0, 1, 3, 5, 7 days and following that every 7th day until the 7th week. The water absorption results showed that J/K/J absorbed less water compared to K/J/K composites. The thickness swelling also showed similar behavior of investigated composites. The density of hybrid composites are showed the almost slightly similar values of all composites specimens. We concluded that J/K/J hybrid composites show better dimensional stability and suitable for further study to fabricate suitable products from it.