Performance characterization of VARI-processed plain-woven glass/jute hybrid epoxy composites for renewable energy infrastructures: experimental–numerical synergy.

Owen, Macaulay M.; Wong, Leong Sing; Md Din, Norashidah Binti; Achukwu, Emmanuel O.; Romli, Ahmad, Zafir; Shuib, Solehuddin

Abstract

This study investigates the mechanical behavior and structural viability of hybrid woven glass–jute fiber-reinforced epoxy composites fabricated using the vacuum-assisted resin infusion (VARI) technique for potential use in renewable energy infrastructure. The objective is to evaluate the synergistic performance enhancement achievable through hybridization of synthetic and natural fibers in a layered architecture. Experimental characterization of laminates with varying ply counts (2, 6, 8, and 12) were conducted to assess the composites' mechanical, thermal, and microstructural properties. Finite element analysis (FEA) using ANSYS was performed to simulate tensile and bending behaviors, employing a gradual mesh refinement strategy to ensure numerical accuracy. Results showed that the 8-ply laminate achieved optimal mechanical performance, with tensile and flexural strength improvements of 18.5 % and 53.89 %, respectively, compared to the 2-ply configuration. The 12-ply composite exhibited superior impact resistance, absorbing up to 2.70 J of energy, representing a 67.8 % increase over lower-ply variants. The 6-ply system yielded the highest hardness, attributed to enhanced compaction and surface stiffness. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed an onset degradation temperature of 315 °C and maximum thermal stability at 455 °C, supporting the material's suitability for elevated-temperature applications. FEA simulations closely matched experimental results, confirming precise alignment between simulated and observed tensile and flexural stresses. The study highlights the potential of stacked plain-woven glass/jute hybrid composites as sustainable material development, combining lightweight, high-strength, and thermally resilient hybrid composites for renewable energy infrastructure such as wind turbine blades, solar panel module supports, and other structural components.

Citation

OWEN, M.M., WONG, L.S., MD DIN, N.B., ACHUKWU, E.O., ROMLI, A.Z. and SHUIB, S. 2025. Performance characterization of VARI-processed plain-woven glass/jute hybrid epoxy composites for renewable energy infrastructures: experimental–numerical synergy. Journal of materials research and technology [online], 37, pages 4232-4247. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2025.07.110

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 10, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Jul 15, 2025
• Publication Date: Aug 31, 2025
• Deposit Date: Jul 24, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 24, 2025
• Journal: Journal of materials research and technology
• Print ISSN: 2238-7854
• Electronic ISSN: 2214-0697
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 37
• Pages: 4232-4247
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2025.07.110
• Keywords: Woven structures; Composites; Mechanical properties; Finite element analysis (FEA); Thermal stability
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2934732