Investigating Water Absorption Characteristics of Sisal and Glass Fiber Reinforced Composites: Effects of Stacking Sequence on Moisture

Abstract:

This study investigates the water absorption characteristics of epoxy-based hybrid composites reinforced with natural sisal fibers and synthetic glass fibers. Four different stacking sequences of fiber layers: SSSS (four sisal layers), SSSG (three sisal layers and one glass layer), SSGG (two sisal layers and two glass layers), and SGGG (one sisal layer and three glass layers), were fabricated to assess their influence on moisture absorption properties. The water absorption percentages determined during testing of the compositions are averaged, showing a trend of decreased water absorption with an increase in the number of glass fiber layers. The SGGG configuration exhibits the lowest water absorption at 3.18%, while the SSSS configuration has the highest at 6.63%. This trend highlights the absorbent nature of sisal fibers and confirms the role of glass fibers in enhancing water resistance. Hybrid fiber reinforcements can therefore improve not only the mechanical properties of epoxy composites but also make them more environmentally friendly. Such materials provide a viable alternative to conventional plastics. Additionally, understanding the effect of stacking sequences on moisture absorption may enable future composite designs tailored for specific environmental conditions.

• Periodical: Materials Science Forum (Volume 1149)
• Pages: 17-22
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-OG04n1
• Online since: May 2025
• Authors: Mridula Barman, Vishal Sharma, Almondee Marbaniang, Sutanu Samanta, Narendra Kumar Rana, Nabam Teyi*
• Keywords: Composite Durability, Glass Fiber, Natural Fiber Composites, Sisal Fiber, Stacking Sequence, Water Absorption

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