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In this study, a combination of “Cordia Dichotoma” natural fiber and “granite powder” as filler has been reinforced into epoxy resin making a hybrid composite. In this study, unused industrial waste obtained from the granite polishing industry, known as granite powder (GP) is being utilized for its usefulness as a reinforcement in polymer composite. Hybrid composite was prepared by reinforcing a constant Cordia Dichotoma fiber content of 20 wt. % and varying the granite powder weight (wt. %) percentages (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20) into epoxy matrix. Mechanical properties (tensile, flexural and impact) of hybrid composites were investigated. Following the results obtained, granite powder could be evidenced as a good filler material for the betterment of composite’s mechanical properties. Also, the ability of this filler material is proved in decreasing water absorption and chemical resistance. SEM morphology was performed to investigate the bonding and distribution of granite powder within the Cordia Dichotoma reinforced composite material. Besides, presence of chemical functional groups in the composite was traced by Infra-Red Spectroscopy. Also, Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) was carried out and the composite was found to be thermally stable up to 455°C.

Usage of composites with natural fiber reinforcement is drastically increasing in recent times because of their low density, biodegradable nature, and low cost. However, natural fibers have certain core problems such as poor adhesion between the fiber and matrix and a relatively high degree of moisture absorption. Alkaline treatment of natural fibers is aimed at improving the adhesive strength so that effective stress transferability takes place in the composite. In the present work, Cordia-Dichotoma fibers were treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and composites were prepared with different weight ratios of these fibers reinforced with epoxy. The prepared composites were tested for their tensile and flexural strengths (mechanical properties). Besides, for a comprehensive material characterization, IR spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope, and thermogravimetric analysis were carried out. This work investigates the influence of aforementioned NaOH treatment on thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties of the composite material.