MUMBAI, India, Sept. 14 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202641106118 A) filed by Sri Eshwar College Of Engineering on September 03, 2026, for Hybrid Coir–kenaf Fibre Reinforced Epoxy Composite And Method Of Fabrication Thereof For Lightweight Automotive Structural Applications.
Inventors include Dr. R. Suresh Kumar; and Soundhar D M.
The application for the patent was published on September 11, 2026, under issue no. 37/2026.
Abstract: The present invention relates to a hybrid natural fibre reinforced epoxy composite comprising coir fibre and kenaf fibre incorporated within an epoxy resin matrix for potential lightweight automotive structural applications. The coir and kenaf fibres are cleaned, dried, prepared and arranged in predetermined layers before being impregnated with LY556 epoxy resin and HY951 hardener. The impregnated fibre layers are consolidated through compression moulding to form a substantially integrated hybrid composite laminate. The hybrid reinforcement combines the complementary characteristics of coir and kenaf, wherein coir contributes toughness, flexibility and impact-energy absorption while kenaf contributes stiffness, tensile load transfer and resistance to crack propagation. The fabricated composite is subjected to tensile, flexural and Izod impact testing to determine its mechanical performance and is further characterized using SEM and EDX techniques to evaluate its microstructural and elemental characteristics. The Type-II coir–kenaf composite achieves approximately 16.97 MPa tensile strength, 48.27 MPa flexural strength and 0.183 J impact strength. The developed hybrid composite provides a lightweight natural-fibre based material system with potential applicability in automobile chassis and other structural or semi-structural components where weight reduction, impact resistance, mechanical performance and sustainable reinforcement materials are desirable.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
