Chitosan/red mud reinforced with Moringa oleifera hybrid composites for light weight structural application in automobile industries

Abstract The mechanical and thermal characterization of Moringa oleifera fiber and red mud (RM) reinforced chitosan (CS) based hybrid composite is the subject of this research. By varying the percentages of M. oleifera fiber and RM in the hand lay‐up process, seven types of composite samples were developed. Tensile, flexural, compression, and impact testing were performed in accordance with ASTM standards. A scanning electron microscope was used to examine the cracked surfaces of the tested specimens. Hybridization with M. oleifera fiber and RM increased the characteristics of CS composites, according to the findings. Increase in the percentage composition of RM resulted in better mechanical characteristics of fiber‐reinforced composites. C ₆ type composite revealed maximum tensile strength of 65.59 MPa and impact strength of 24.86 kJ/m ² . It also had better dynamic mechanical qualities, while C ₆ composite had the best static and dynamic mechanical properties. Overall it may be concluded that composites can be utilized in light weight structural applications.