Effect of stacking sequence on the mechanical and tribological properties of hybrid natural fibers composites reinforced with nano-hBN and steel mesh

This study examines the impact of incorporating nano-hBN nanofiller and varying the stacking sequences of natural fibers with steel wire mesh on the load-bearing and tribological properties of hybrid composites. The Sisal/Jute/Banana/Mesh/Sisal/Jute/Banana (NC4) combination demonstrated relatively high tensile strength (67 MPa), modulus (0.72 GPa), flexural strength (80 MPa), and impact strength (63 KJ/m³). Among all configurations, the NC4 composite exhibited the lowest surface energy and water absorption, underscoring the influence of fiber type and stacking sequence on these properties. The addition of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanoparticles to the NC4 composite resulted in a maximum enhancement of tensile and flexural strength by 27% and 20%, respectively. Tribological characterization revealed that increasing the normal load significantly elevated volumetric wear in NC4 composites, while hBN-reinforced composites demonstrated superior wear resistance. The incorporation of hBN nanoparticles, particularly at 3 wt%, reduced volumetric wear by up to 47% compared to NC4 composites. Similarly, hBN nanoparticles effectively decreased the coefficient of friction (COF) by up to 30%. SEM analysis indicated that hBN nanoparticles mitigated fiber pull-out, matrix fractures, and adhesive wear, thereby enhancing the overall wear resistance of the composites. In conclusion, the addition of hBN nanoparticles improves the mechanical and tribological characteristics of these hybrid composites.