Page 70 - Template Tesis UTM v2.0

The effect of fibre content was investigated on the jute/EFB reinforced epoxy

with the different percentages of jute fibre loadings in producing hybrid composite of
jute/EFB. Jute fibre has tensile strength and modulus between 400 to 800 MPa and 10

to 30 GPa, while EFB only exhibits its tensile strength and modulus of 248 MPa and
3.2 GPa, respectively. Mixing of jute in jute/EFB increases the tensile properties and

load bearing capability of the material that is being investigated. The presence of
stronger fibre contributes to withstand a higher load while redistributing a lesser load

to the oil palm EFB fibre [84].

Muralidhar [85] experimentally investigated on the plain weave flax/epoxy on
the effect of lay-up architecture and quantity of preform layers on the tensile

properties. It was observed that the tensile properties were governed by the volume
fraction of reinforcements and fibre’s orientation parallel with the applied load.

Lopresto et al. [86] studied basalt/epoxy on the tensile properties to discover
its potential in replacing E-glass/epoxy. Tensile modulus of basalt laminate is about

35 - 42 % higher than E-glass laminate. However, E-glass exhibits superior properties

of ultimate tensile strength and specific tensile strength in comparison to basalt
composite.

Tensile performance was investigated between pure empty fruit bunch (EFB),
pure jute and hybridisation between EFB/jute reinforced epoxy with difference

stacking sequences. It was found that EFB/jute exhibited higher tensile properties than

pure EFB but less than pure jute composite. Jute fibre reinforced epoxy exhibited
higher tensile strength and modulus in comparison with pure EFB due to the stronger

and stiffer properties of jute fibres itself as well as good interfacial bonding with
matrix. Skin material plays a vital role in resisting tensile loadings and react as a load

bearing component. When high strength material is used as a skin, the tested specimen

recorded higher on the tensile modulus and breaking strain, thus increasing the
capability of the material in resisting tensile loading. As a result, the formation of

hybrid composite with both skins using jute fibre recorded higher value of tensile
strength and tensile modulus in comparison with EFB’s skin [21].

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