Tensile Strength Analysis of Sustainable Hybrid Composites Incorporating Cattail, Date Palm, and Alfa Fibers

The widespread use of conventional petroleum-based polymers has raised significant environmental concerns due to their non-biodegradable nature, coupled with limited collection and recycling efforts, resulting in a substantial global waste burden. Additionally, one of the critical challenges faced by composite materials lies in their vulnerability to moisture penetration, which can detrimentally affect their mechanical properties through various mechanisms. In the first mechanism, water molecules are diffused into micro-gaps within the polymer chains, leading to structural weakening. The second mechanism entails the movement of filaments through gaps and defects in the fiber matrix contacts, further compromising the composite's integrity. The third mechanism involves swelling effects, which induce the propagation of micro-cracks within the matrix, ultimately impairing its mechanical performance. To address these environmental and material challenges, this research explores the utilization of natural fibers, specifically date palm fibers (DPFs), cattail fibers, and ALFA fibers, as reinforcement in composite materials. A composite specimen was fabricated by combining these three natural fibers. Three distinct composite configurations were created for evaluation: the first incorporated date palm fibers treated with cold plasma, the second featured ALFA fibers, and the third comprised a hybrid composite combining ALFA and DPFs. Notably, the hybrid composite demonstrated superior load-carrying capabilities in both tensile and flexural tests. This remarkable enhancement can be attributed to the robust interfacial bonding established between the matrix and the fibers. Through this research, we delve into the promising potential of these sustainable materials, shedding light on their mechanical advantages and their capacity to mitigate environmental concerns associated with conventional polymers.