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Drop load impact, wear and heat distortion temperature analysis of palm fruit fibre/glass fibre hybrid composites with rubber powder and sisal powder reinforcement in a PU-Silicone-Epoxy matrix

Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Velammal Institute of Technology, Chennai, India

Received: 2 March 2026 Accepted: 13 April 2026

Abstract:

This study presents a novel approach to polymer composite design by hybridizing rigid natural fibers with elastomeric and bio-based fillers to achieve multifunctional performance. The research demonstrates that strategic reinforcement tailoring can significantly enhance toughness, tribological resistance, and thermal stability (HDT). Mechanical and thermal evaluations revealed distinct behaviours depending on the hybrid reinforcement combinations. In drop-load impact tests, specimens M3 and M4 exhibited the highest peak forces (1450–1550 N) and energy absorption (12 J), indicating superior impact resistance. Wear analysis showed that M4 achieved the lowest coefficient of friction (0.30) and specific wear rate (2.0 × 10^–6 mm³/N-m), while M6 outperformed sisal-only M5 due to rubber-assisted crack suppression. Heat deflection temperature (HDT) measurements confirmed strong thermal stability for M2 (71.4 °C), M3 (70 °C), M4 (71 °C), and M6 (69.4 °C), whereas M1 (42.8 °C) and M5 (45.9 °C) softened earlier. Overall, M4 demonstrated the most balanced combination of impact strength, wear resistance, and thermal stability, establishing the effectiveness of hybrid reinforcement strategies in multifunctional polymer composites.

Keywords: Polymer composite; Hybrid filler; Hybrid fiber; Heat distortion temperature; Wear; Drop load impact

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-026-04916-0

Chemical Papers 80 (8) 8817–8829 (2026)

Tuesday, August 25, 2026