Effect of hybridization on mechanical, thermal and water absorption properties of biocomposite

Environmental concern over synthetic materials  and sustainability issues due to the reduction of fossil fuels have given rise to remarkable progress in the development of green products like biocomposites. Natural fiber is used as reinforcement in biodegradable, ecofriendly and economic composites. However, they lack desired mechanical properties at highly humid or aqueous environment, which limits their application in many fields. Hybrid biocomposites with more than one type of natural fiber has recently drawn great research due to their improved   properties. This paper focused on the studies of mechanical, thermal and water absorption properties of pure woven cotton fiber/ polystyrene (WCF/PS) and hybrid woven palm-cotton fiber/ polystyrene (WPCF/PS) biocomposite. The mechanical properties of the samples were evaluated by a Universal Testing machine (UTM) and thermal properties by Thermo Gravimetric analyzer (TGA). Water absorption properties were analyzed by % weight gain method. The mechanical properties including tensile strength, tensile modulus and impact strength were found to be higher in hybrid WPCF/PS biocomposite. Higher thermal stability and less water absorption property were observed in the hybrid sample. This study reveals that improvement in properties could be achieved in biocomposite through hybridisation of palm fiber with cotton fiber, which would help to widen their research scope and commercial acceptability.