Finite Element-Based Evaluation of Fiber Orientation Effects on Sisal and Kenaf Fiber-Reinforced Composites for Lightweight Energy Applications

Natural fiber reinforced composites (NFRCs) provide a sustainable substitute for synthetic materials; however, enhancing their mechanical performance is difficult. This study examines the impact of fiber orientation and laminate configuration on the tensile and flexural characteristics of sisal and kenaf fiber-reinforced composites. The results indicate that the yield strength of these composites is substantially influenced by the number of 0° laminates. Reducing their quantity leads to a significant loss in yield strength, regardless of whether they are placed in the outer or inner layers. Conversely, the 45° laminates exhibited no impact, whereas the 90° laminates significantly diminished the yield strength. Kenaf fiber-reinforced composites exhibited enhanced stiffness, augmenting the rigidity of the composite by 120% compared with that of sisal fiber-reinforced composites. The flexural modulus was dependent on the laminate orientation and location, with the lack of 0° laminates on the outer layer resulting in a 10% decrease. The flexural modulus determined in the four-point bending test was uniformly 117% of that measured in the three-point bending test, irrespective of the fiber type. The investigation of flexural strength revealed that sisal composites had superior flexural strength compared with kenaf composites. Configurations such as [(0°)10] and [(0°)2/(45°)2/(90°)2/(-45°)2/(0°)2] in sisal fibers demonstrate enhanced flexural strength. The kenaf composite with the [(0°)10] structure attained the highest flexural modulus. The findings highlight the influence of laminate orientation on the mechanical performance of NFRCs. Although synthetic fibers still outperform natural fibers in terms of tensile strength, this study emphasizes the potential of kenaf and sisal fibers for applications requiring customized stiffness and strength. These discoveries enhance the advancement of optimized composite designs for renewable energy systems and lightweight structural applications.

Fiber orientation; Flexural strength; NFRCs; Tensile strength; Renewable energy

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