FIBRE SELECTION VIA ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS AND FIBRE ORIENTATION IN KENAF/THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITES FOR FRUIT PICKER POLE

Abstract

This research is a preliminary investigation into identifying appropriate natural fibres for blending with glass fibres to create durable and high-performing hybrid composites. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed to select most suitable fibre in the enhancement of hybrid natural/synthetic the composites designed for fruit picker pole. Following this analysis, flexural test was conducted on kenaf yarn/fibreglass mesh-reinforced Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) composites, unveiling the bending performance under the influence of stacking sequence. The kenaf yarn/fibreglass mesh composites with various stacking sequences were prepared via the hot press moulding compression technique. It was found that stacking sequences, 0°/90°/0°/90°, 0°/+45°/-45°/0°, 0°/+45°/90°/-45°, and 0°/0°/0°/0°, significantly affect the flexural properties of the composites, offering freedom of material design for certain engineering applications. Notably, the composites with 0°/0°/0°/0° stacking sequence displayed superior bending strength and elastic properties of 65.76 MPa and 1657.57 MPa, respectively. Conversely, the lowest flexural strength and modulus of 52.05 MPa and 908.69 MPa were noticed in composites with fibre stacking sequence of 0°/+45°/90°/-45°. These findings underscore the impact of the stacking sequence on the bending performance of the FRP composites. Optimising fibre stacking sequence emerges as a practical approach to enhance performance and sustainability in fruit picker pole.