Assessments of Physical, Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Kenaf/ Cotton/ Polyester Fabric Reinforced Polyester Resin Composites: Differential Stacking Sequences

Abstract

A composite material was fabricated using a hand lay-up technique, incorporating layers of woven kenaf, cotton, and polyester fiber fabrics as reinforcement in a polyester resin matrix, arranged in a specific stacking sequence to enhance its properties performance. The composite material was compressed after the polyester resin was applied in the stacking sequence. Four stacking sequences were designed, and their influence on density, water absorption, moisture content, thickness swelling, tensile strength, flexural strength, and thermal stability was assessed. The PKCCKP sample also exhibited the lowest water absorption (1.99%), moisture content (1.42%), and thickness swelling (0.6%). Tensile and flexural strength attributes were enhanced when all three reinforcement materials were used together.  The optimal stacking sequence for tensile, and flexural strength and modulus was with PKCCKP (52.1 MPa and 133.4 MPa). This improvement can be attributed to the excellent fabric adherence, with polyester fabric playing a significant role in the outside layer compared to the inside layer. All hybrid composite stacking sequences demonstrated good thermal stability, indicating their suitability for various eco-friendly applications. The choice of outer layers affected the durability and mechanical performance of composites for use in automotive, household, and structural applications.