Jothi Arunachalam Solairaju, Niyas Ahamed A
This study investigates the mechanical and thermal characteristics of hybrid composites made from jute, kenaf, and glass fibers, reinforced with varying proportions of nanographene nanoparticles and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Different nanofiller loadings were incorporated into composite samples and tested for tensile strength, flexural strength, fracture toughness, microhardness, moisture absorption, and thermal stability. Tensile and flexural tests assessed mechanical performance, while fracture toughness and microhardness measured resistance to crack initiation and surface deformation. Moisture absorption tests showed a significant reduction in water uptake with increasing nanographene and MWCNT content, indicating enhanced hydrophobicity and improved durability in humid environments. Thermal stability and degradation behavior were analyzed through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), revealing that MWCNT addition positively influenced thermal resistance. Optimal mechanical and thermal properties were achieved with filler concentrations of 2 wt.% for MWCNTs and 3 wt.% for nanographene. These enhancements collectively demonstrate that reinforcing natural fiber-based hybrid composites with nanographene and MWCNTs significantly improves their strength, moisture resistance, and thermal stability. Utilizing natural resources such as jute and kenaf fibers supports sustainable development by providing eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic materials. As a result, these composites have promising potential as sustainable and high-performance alternatives to conventional structural materials in advanced engineering applications, particularly where enhanced durability and environmental exposure resistance are required.