Alberuni Aziz, Mahibul Hasan Pulak
Four different composite configurations has been studied here: Jute-Oil Palm-Coir, Jute-Coir-Jute, Coir-Jute-Coir, and Oil Palm-Coir-Oil Palm, using the hand layup method. The main goal was to assess their mechanical properties, such as tensile, flexural, and impact strengths, along with water absorption and compare among these. The results offer important insights like, the Jute-Coir-Jute composite showed the highest tensile strength of 1573.33 N due to improved fiber-matrix adhesion and proper load transfer, while the Oil Palm-Coir-Oil Palm composite demonstrates the highest flexural strength of 189.91 N. Additionally, the Jute-Coir-Jute composite showed excellent impact resistance, with a value of 8.5 J, due to fewer voids and pullouts, which reduce stress concentrations and scattering of results. A water absorption test which was conducted according to the British Standard indicates that the Jute-Coir-Jute composite has the highest absorption rate among all. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is used to examine the microstructure of the samples which is important to analyze the structure–property relationships. It helps to connect the mechanical characterization results, with specifically how features such as fiber–matrix adhesion, interfacial voids, and fiber pull-out provide further insight into their morphology. The novelty of this work is to assess how the combination of jute, coir, and oil palm fibres influences the mechanical properties of the hybrid natural composites. These hybrid composites may exhibit significant potential for application in making automotive interior components, sustainable furniture products, biodegradable packaging, lightweight sports, and recreational equipment etc. Consequently, this research makes a valuable contribution to composite technology development by offering practical guidance to select and optimize composite materials for various applications and to highlight their performance. • This study analyzed four composites fabricated with the hand layup method. • It assessed water absorption, mechanical properties, and surface morphology. • The Jute-Coir-Jute composite showed the maximum tensile strength. • The Oil Palm-Coir-Oil Palm exhibited significant flexural strength. • Additionally, Jute-Coir-Jute demonstrated excellent impact resistance.