Role of reinforcement architecture in tailoring physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of abaca/aramid hybrid epoxy laminates

Abstract Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites are increasingly gaining attention for lightweight structural applications due to their environmental benefits, low density, and cost effectiveness. However, their relatively lower mechanical and thermal performance compared with synthetic fiber composites limits their wider engineering applications. In this study, abaca and aramid fiber reinforced polyester hybrid composites were fabricated with different stacking sequences to evaluate their physical, mechanical, and thermal properties. Five laminate configurations were prepared using the hand layup technique, namely A (Abaca/Abaca/Abaca/Abaca/Abaca), B (Aramid/Aramid/Aramid/Aramid/Aramid), C (Aramid/Abaca/Abaca/Abaca