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Hardness and Flexural Performance Analysis of Hybridized Coir and Tiger Grass Fiber Composites
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Hardness and Flexural Performance Analysis of Hybridized Coir and Tiger Grass Fiber Composites

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Abstract:

Natural fiber hybridization has been peaking across industries as it offers a promising approach for developing sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. In this study, hybrid coconut coir and tiger grass fiber composites of weight ratio 1:1 were fabricated by encapsulating their strands into epoxy resin and hardener matrices. The hardness and flexural performance of the hybrid fiber composite were characterized based on ASTM standards D2240 Adapted and D790 Adapted and compared with composites reinforced with the individual fibers. Among the three fiber composites, the hybrid composite exhibited the highest flexural modulus (2.41 GPa), representing a 35.3% improvement over pure coir composites and an 11.6% increase relative to pure tiger grass composites. This improved flexural stiffness of the hybrid composite is attributed to the mechanical compatibility of coir and tiger grass, resulting in effective stress transfer upon hybridization. In contrast, shore durometer hardness results showed no significant differences among the composites, with the hybrid composite recording an average hardness reading of 71. These results support that the hybridization effectively mitigates the mechanical limitations of the individual fibers offering broader potential for sustainable industrial and structural applications.

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Periodical:

Materials Science Forum (Volume 1198)

Pages:

9-14

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4028/p-bnJ4mf

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Online since:

August 2026

Authors:

Ivan Jerome C. Panis*, Jerome D. Lopena

Keywords:

Coconut Coir, Hybrid Composite, Natural Fiber, Tiger Grass

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© 2026 Trans Tech Publications Ltd. All Rights Reserved

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