Effect of stacking sequence on tensile properties of glass, hemp and kenaf hybrid composites

Natural fibre reinforced polymer composites have the potential to be utilized at various applications due to their non-hazardous effect to the environment, biodegradable properties as well as enhanced mechanical characteristics. Nevertheless, mechanical properties of these composites are complicated to understand and predicted due to complex interaction between matrix and different type of fibres, fibres architecture and fibres arrangement. Therefore, this paper aims to study the effect of various types of fibres; kenaf mat, hemp mat and Glass Chopped Strand Mat as a core, core thickness; 1, 2 and 4 layers, and fibre arrangements; kenaf mat, hemp mat and Glass Chopped Strand Mat arranged in middle layer (core) or outer layer (skin) on tensile properties of hybrid composites. The hybrid composite specimens were prepared through combinations of hand lay-up and vacuum methods in which both methods are commonly employed techniques in industry. There are four types of fibre arrangement systems involved: (2:1:2), (2:2:2), (2:4:2) and (1:4:1). As expected, the glass fibres hybrid composites had the highest tensile performance compared to other hybrid composites. The fibre arrangement (2-1-2) was the best option for all types of fibres, while the use of 4 layers of kenaf mat, hemp mat and Glass Chopped Strand Mat as core material reduced the tensile properties. In comparison of (2-2-2) and (1-4-1), kenaf mat and Glass Chopped Strand Mat performed better as a core, while hemp mat performed better as skin.