Page 28 - Template Tesis UTM v2.0

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Composite materials are broadly used in various fields and applications due to

their special attributes and properties that cannot be realised using
conventional materials. In general, they possess high specific strength and modulus

which make them useful in various industries. However, composite materials also have
their own limitation and scope of applications, therefore, selecting the combination of

dissimilar materials should be done in a judicious way to achieve the desired
properties. In this regard, the introduction of hybrid composite structures in the

composite industry contributes in attaining a better combination of properties

compared to the fibre reinforced composites. The constituent fibres in a hybrid
composite can be altered in several ways and this leads to the variation in its properties.

Hybrid composites offer an option of achieving a blend of properties such as stiffness,
ductility and strength, which cannot be achieved by single fibre reinforced composites

[1].

In recent years, there is a rapid growth in research and innovation in the natural
fibre composites due to the many advantages of these materials compared to man-

made fibres, particularly on its environmental impact and cost effective of the
reinforcement selection [2]. Natural fibres composites have the potential to be used for

engineering applications and apparently, become viable alternative materials in
composite structures due to its reusability, recycling and bio-degradability after the

end of their life span [3–4]. The use of natural fibres for the reinforcement of polymeric

composite materials has garnered increasing attention from academics and the industry
due to their almost unlimited availability, low cost, lower density, higher specific

properties, non-abrasive, less harmful during handling [5], and higher specific strength
compared to conventional fibres, instead of low resistance to moisture [6]. Meanwhile,

1