Mechanical Characterization of Jute -Coconut Shell Hybrid Epoxy Laminates

Natural fiber-reinforced composites are increasingly used due to their sustainability and lightweight characteristics. This study examines jute fiber-reinforced polymer composites with coconut shell powder filler (0–6 wt%) fabricated via the hand lay-up method. Mechanical properties were evaluated using tensile, flexural, and impact tests, while thermal behavior was analyzed through Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The control composite (0 wt%) showed the highest mechanical performance, with tensile strength of 152.2 MPa, flexural strength of 186.28 MPa, and impact toughness of 10.83 kJ/m². Thermal analysis indicated variations in glass transition temperature and improved stability at optimized filler content. SEM analysis revealed fiber–matrix interaction and filler dispersion. The results demonstrate the effect of coconut shell powder on composite performance and its potential in eco-friendly applications.