Investigating indispensable characteristics of Boehmeria nivea and Agave sisalana fiber-reinforced epoxy hybrid composites for particle board applications

This study explores the mechanical, absorption, and thermal studies of ramie and sisal fiber-epoxy hybrid biocomposite samples for the first time. This work utilized the short ramie and sisal fibers as reinforcing materials and epoxy resin as the secondary material in an effective way. This innovative approach affords superior mechanical strength compared to the long fibers. The length and weight% of the reinforcement material were varied, with lengths of 10, 15, 20, and 25 mm and weight percentages of 20, 25, 30, and 35%. The high resistance competence of the RS composite leads to the strong intermolecular hydrogen bond due to their high polarity. This behavior helps to increase the samples' tensile strength and flexural strength. Composite samples with a length of 20 mm and a 30% content achieved the highest strength and maximum decomposition temperature. FTIR and X-ray diffraction method was used to analyze microstructural properties and elemental composition. The fractured surfaces of the composite samples were examined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Fiber pullout, brittle fractures, and fiber clusters were identified with the help of SEM micrograph. Particleboard and lightweight products can be developed using the RS fiber-reinforced epoxy resin hybrid composite.