Eco-friendly Hybrid Composites: Sustainable Reinforcement of Carbon Fiber and Rubber for Green Engineering Applications
J. Environ. Nanotechnol., Volume 14, No 4 (December 2025) pp. 35-46
Abstract
Hybrid composites have emerged as a transformative solution for industries demanding lightweight, high-strength, and durable materials. This study integrates carbon fiber, nitrile rubber, and natural rubber into an epoxy matrix to overcome traditional composite limitations, such as brittleness and low impact resistance. The vacuum bagging method was employed for fabrication, and the Taguchi method was applied using an L9 orthogonal array to optimize the mechanical properties. The optimal composition (2% natural rubber + 34% carbon fiber + 64% epoxy) achieved a tensile strength of 36.8 MPa, a flexural strength of 95.7 MPa, and an impact strength of 2.49 MPa. The results indicate enhanced impact resistance, energy absorption, and recyclability, making CF/NR hybrids environmentally sustainable. The findings highlight potential applications in the automotive, aerospace, and structural engineering sectors, contributing to the development of sustainable and high-performance materials. Given its eco-friendly composition and recyclability, the proposed composite supports efforts focused on pollution reduction and sustainable material development. The study presents a viable alternative to conventional CFRP composites, minimizing environmental impact. These results contribute to advanced material solutions for the cleaner production of hybrid composites and green engineering applications.
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