Characterization of Mechanical Performance of Natural–Synthetic Fiber Layered Hybrid Composites for Automotive Interior Trim and Structural Applications
Abstract
In this study, the mechanical behavior of hybrid composite layers produced using luffa fiber as a natural fiber and carbon fiber fabric as a synthetic reinforcement was investigated. Hybrid composites were produced by hand lay-up method in (45º-90º-L-L-90º-45º), (0/90º-90 -L-L-90º- 0/90º) and (0/90º-45º- L-L-45º-0/90º) configurations with different layer combinations and fiber orientation angles, and cured under hot press. Low-speed impact tests (10 J and 20 J), three-point bending tests, and tensile tests were performed on the produced specimens. In impact tests, the (0/90º–45º–L–L–45º–0/90º) specimen reached the highest maximum force 7200 N at 20 J and limited deformation, about 20% higher energy absorption than the (45º–90º–L–L–90º–45º) specimen. The (0/90º–90º–L–L–90º–0/90º) specimen showed intermediate behavior, while the (45º–90º–L–L–90º–45º) specimen exhibited greater deformation. Three-point bending tests showed the (0/90º–45º–L–L–45º–0/90º) specimen had the highest load 280 N, 12% higher than (45º–90º–L–L–90º–45º) specimen, and tensile tests indicated the same specimen achieved the highest strength 340 MPa, 15% higher than (45º–90º–L–L–90º–45º) specimen. The results indicate that the carbon fiber orientation angle and layer combination have a decisive effect on the impact, bending, and tensile behavior of hybrid composites. Accordingly, it is concluded that by optimizing the layer arrangement according to the intended use, suitable material design can be achieved for applications requiring high strength or high energy absorption capacity, and the hybrid composite structures examined in this study can be considered as alternative materials for applications such as bumpers, grilles, headlight frames, and trim parts in the automotive industry.
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References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Material Production Technologies, Mechanical Vibrations and Noise, Automotive Engineering Materials
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Ercan Şimşir
*
0000-0001-6655-2324
Türkiye
İbrahim Yavuz
0000-0002-4480-2342
Türkiye
Emre Serbest
0000-0002-7938-8890
Türkiye
Publication Date
March 30, 2026
Submission Date
February 6, 2026
Acceptance Date
March 25, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 10 Number: 1
