Characterization and Dry Sliding Wear Behaviour of Luffa Cylindrica/Human Hair Fibre-Reinforced Hybrid Composite

In this research, an attempt has been made to synthesize partially biodegradable hybrid composites based on Human Hair Fibre (HHF), Luffa Cylindrica fiber (LCF) and different weight proportions (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 wt.%) of Incense stick ash (ISA) as filler. Ultrasonicator assisted hand lay-up technique has been used for the fabrication process. Their density, water absorption, elastic and microhardness properties are evaluated to justify their potential application. The incorporation of ISA as filler enhanced the density, mechanical strength, resistance to water absorption and wear characteristics. Further, Pin-on disc set up is used to conduct the dry sliding wear behaviour of the composites considering composite type, normal load, track distance and speed as the input parameters. The experimentation is designed and performed as per the central composite design-based response surface methodology (CRSM). The ANOVA revealed that the applied normal load as well as the weight percentage of ISA have an important effect in enhancing the dry sliding wear of the currently synthesized natural fibre hybrid composites. Moderate ISA filler (10 wt.%) is observed to provide the optimum results in terms of all the characteristics. Thus, it opens new ways for the preparation of sustainable bio-composite for packaging and construction applications.