Fabrication and Testing of Hybrid Composites (Natural versus Polymer Composites) for Roofing Tile Applications

Abstract

Since composite materials have highly desirable mechanical properties like increased resistance to heat and corrosive agents and a high strength-to-weight ratio, they are becoming increasingly important in today's engineering design and development activities as structural materials. Composite materials are made of two or more different materials. They consist of fillers, fibres, and matrices that are frequently used. Unsaturated polyester polyurethane, epoxy resins, and phenolic resins are matrix materials; fibers include carbon, glass, aramid, and Kevlar. Particulates are applied to materials as fillers to enhance desired properties. Urbanization and industrialization are primarily associated with pollution, yet industrialization is necessary to support the economies of emerging countries. Urbanization increases the amount of solid waste generated, which pollutes the environment. Growing environmental consciousness and awareness has led to increased global use of natural fibers, fillers, and their applications in numerous technical disciplines. This study explores the mechanical properties, such as hardness and tensile strength, of a natural and biodegradable Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composite made of glass and sisal and reinforced with epoxy resin.