Synergistic effect of chemically treated eco‐friendly Luffa and glass fiber reinforcement for layered hybrid polymer composites: A novel approach

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Abstract This study involves finding the combined effect of natural fiber and synthetic fiber for laminar structured hybrid polymer composites. The composites were fabricated using the hand lay‐up technique with an unsaturated polyester resin matrix, chemically treated short Luffa fiber (LF) varying from 2% to 8%, sandwiched between two layers of woven glass fiber (GF) (fixed amount). Physical characterizations, spectroscopic analysis, mechanical tests, thermal analysis, and microscopy were used to evaluate the performance of the fabricated composites. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy identified the fiber‐matrix chemical bonding due to fiber treatment. Bulk density showed that GF increased overall density, whereas the composites became lighter with the incorporation of LF and optimal fiber loading at sample G/LHC3 for 4% LF decreased void formation. Water resistance decreased with higher LF content. Mechanical testing results revealed that the composite with 4% LF provided optimal performance in tensile, compressive, flexural, and impact tests with values of 35, 39.29, 121.65 MPa and 13.38 kJ m−2, respectively, though the micro‐hardness slightly decreased. Both LF and GF contributed to the structural integrity of the composites with good fiber‐matrix adhesion. Thermal stability increased more with GF, and better thermal insulation is achieved through higher LF content. These enhanced properties make the composites promising candidates for structural applications. Highlights Chemically modified LF provided better fiber–matrix adhesion. Development of layered hybrid composites by centrally sandwiched natural fiber. Synergistic effect of glass fiber and LF on the properties of composites. 4% LF in hybrid system‐optimized composite performance. LF provides better thermal insulation.

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