Analysis of microstructural thermo-mechanical and tribological properties of polymer composite developed with hybrid natural fibers.

Authors

Andarge Ayele Adem, Jack J Kenned, Himanshu Panjiar, Bss Daniel, Krishnaraj Ramaswamy, Rakesh Sudarsi, Balaji Ayanar Chinnapan, Wondowsen Sime Geleta

Published in

Scientific reports. Jul 09, 2026. Epub Jul 09, 2026.

Abstract

This study presents the development and comprehensive microstructural and mechanical characterization of a phenolic resin-based composite strengthened with lignocellulosic sisal fiber (SF), basalt fiber (BF), bio-waste cattle horn powder, graphene oxide (GO), graphite, alumina, SiC, and barite, where inclusion of hybrid natural reinforcements (SF and BF) is making this work unique. Multiple composites are fabricated using a temperature and pressure controlled hot press compression molding process with varying compositions of the composite ingredients mainly SF (2.5-10 wt%), BF (2.5-10 wt%), and GO (0.1-0.5 wt%) to capture their different combinations effect on final composite properties. The best composite (PC-T3) came up with the inclusion of 10%/10%/0.5% weight of SF/BF/GO. The flexural strength and compressive strength improvements in PC-T3 are recorded about 167% and 161% respectively as compared to neat phenolic resin (P0). PC-T3 thermal stability index also enhanced by approximately 118% as compared to P0. Dynamic mechanical analysis result confirmed a remarkable enhancement in the stiffness property of PC-T3, where its storage modulus improved by 803% approximately as compared to P0 at 300 °C, which highlights its thermo-mechanical behavior superiority. From tribological study, the composites average coefficient of friction found in the range of 0.32 to 0.45, and specific wear rate in between 3.89 × 10^- 5 to 9.27 × 10^- 5 mm³/N-m, where PC-T3 came up with very less specific wear rate. Further Taguchi analysis revealed that the composition is the most significant influencing factor, followed by load and sliding speed for developed composites tribological properties. Even fracture and worn surface of the composites are investigated using SEM and found improved stress transfer, a transition from matrix-dominated failure to fiber breakage and pullout, and resistance to crack propagation mechanisms in hybrid composites. The developed composite overall results confirm its potential as a sustainable alternative material for lightweight automotive friction-based applications.

PMID:
42426199
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 10 Jul 2026.

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