Mechanical Performance and Structural Suitability of Natural Fiber Composites: A Comparative Study with E-Glass and S-Glass Composites

The present study aims to mechanically characterize four natural fiber composites coir, banana, pandanus kaida, and coconut leaflet rachis against synthetic E-glass and S-glass composites. Tests including Brinell hardness, impact energy absorption, abrasion wear, and tensile strength were conducted to assess mechanical properties. Banana fiber composites exhibited the highest BHN (Brinell Hardness Number) of 25.53, while S-glass polyester had the lowest at 12. Pandanus kaida fiber composites showed the highest impact energy among natural fibers at 1.8 J, though S-glass polyester had the highest at 4 J. Coir fiber composites had a relatively high wear rate of 0.22%, while E-glass and S-glass composites had lower wear rates of 0.1% and 0.08%. Coir also displayed the highest tensile strength among natural fibers at 6.00 MPa, outperforming some synthetic composites. Natural fiber composites demonstrated competitive mechanical behaviour and certain fibers exhibited enhanced hardness and wear resistance, suitable for durable structural applications. Microscopic evaluation revealed wear mechanisms and fiber-matrix adhesion. Though synthetic fibers excelled in tensile strength and impact resistance, natural fibers offer low weight, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. Future research should explore hybridization and surface modifications to enhance performance and promote broader industrial use of natural fiber composites.