Tensile properties of a kenaf/x-ray film hybrid composite

In the past couple of decades, there has been a significant increase in research and development in the area of composites and hybrid composites. This is warranted due to their clear advantages over other materials. This study discussed the tensile properties of a newly developed hybrid composite material intended to replace existing materials used in various structures. For this particular research, a natural fibre, kenaf fibre, which was treated chemically with sodium hydroxide solution, and, as a means of turning waste to wealth, recycled x-ray films with a surface treatment, were chosen as the core materials. The hybrid materials were fabricated from seven layers of eleven different configurations using the traditional hand lay-up method. Tensile tests were then performed on each of these configurations. The results showed that among all the configurations, one of them that was fabricated using both treated materials, had promising tensile characteristics. However, a few improvements were deemed necessary for the hybrid composite material to be on a par with, or rather better than, existing materials in terms of performance. With some improvements this material could be very suitable for various applications.