Development of Hybrid Bamboo-Plantain Fibre Composite for Ship Hulls and Submarines

Abstract

Marine composites require a combination of high strength, low weight, and durability to withstand the harsh environments. In light of the traditional glass and carbon fibre composites present sustainability challenges, hybrid natural fibre composites hold promise for environmental benefits. However, their properties need optimization for maritime applications. This study focuses on developing a hybrid bamboo-plantain fibre-reinforced polyester composite, employing response surface methodology (RSM) to enhance mechanical performance and durability. Alkaline-treated bamboo and plantain fibres were incorporated into unsaturated polyester resin with varying orientations, stress ratios, and volume fractions, following a custom optimal design within RSM. The resulting specimens underwent tests, including tensile, impact, absorption, fatigue, and buckling assessments. Statistical analyses demonstrated that fiber orientation, volume fraction, and stress ratio markedly influence the composite's properties. The RSM findings identified the optimal configurations for fiber orientation (51.22), volume fraction (56.14), stress ratio (0.5), as well as impact testing, ultimate tensile strength, water absorption, oil absorption, fatigue strength, and buckling load, quantified as19.81, 159.93, 2.87, 2.32, 150.46 and 110.49, respectively. Overall, RSM successfully optimised the hybrid composite, highlighting the potential of natural fibre materials in shipbuilding through systematic material design strategies.