Prediction of hygric strain coefficients for hybrid natural composites

Abstract Polymer composites are prepared using banana/pineapple chopped fibers of length 5 mm. Pure pine apple, pure banana as well as hybrid composites with 40:0, 30:10, 20:20, 10:30 and 0:40 ratios are fabricated. Hygric strain behaviour of hybrid natural composites was found out experimentally. A separate test setup has been designed for hygric strain (β) estimation. Specimen deflections were measured periodically with respect to time. Coefficient of hygric strains are determined from moisture concentration (C) and hygric strains (β). Using mathematical equations coefficient of hygric strains are also predicted. Results show that both predicted and experimental values are in good agreement.