Influence of Stacking Sequences on Tensile Behaviour of Areca-Kenaf Hybrid Epoxy Composite

Sustainability of the natural fibers and its composite had created the curiosity among researchers around the globe. Owing to their improved mechanical and thermal properties, natural fiber based materials are replacing the synthetic fibers in most of the automobile, packing industries, sports equipment and semi-structural applications. In this research, the tensile properties of hybrid composite made up of Kenaf and areca fibers in six different stacking sequences with constant 10 weight percentage of wood dust as filler material is studied. Unsaturated polyester resin is used as the matrix. The specimens are prepared by using hand lay-up technique. The prepared specimens are tested for tensile properties as per ASTM Standard and compared with stacking sequence one (S1).The test results revealed that stacking sequence six (S6) of the specimen which has Kenaf fiber as top and bottom layers has about 155% increase in tensile strength.