EVALUATION OF HYBRID COMPOSITE PRODUCED FROM RICE HUSK ASH /COCONUT FIBER AS REINFORCEMENT USING CISSUS POPULNEAR BARK POWDER AS MATRIX

ABSTRACT In this research work, evaluation of hybrid composite produce from RHA coconut fiber as reinforcement using cissus populnear bark powder as matrix was carried out. Due to health hazard and high cost of conventional construction materials is a dominating factor affecting housing and industrial systems around the world. The bark of (cissus populnear plants) extracted into strips, dried, grinded into powder and sieved using a sieve size of 44 um. The composite samples were produced by varying composition of RHA and coconut fiber as reinforcement with a constant percentage of cissus populnear plant bark powder as matrix, using hand lay out methods. The produced samples were subjected to physical test (water absorption, GSM (g/m2) (grams per square meter) and mechanical test( flexural/Bending , impact strength, compression test and wear resistance test )the result of physical properties: for water absorption ranged from 21.47% - 56.13%., GSM (g/m2) ranged from 4669.3 g/m2 – 3657.33 g/m2.while that of mechanical properties: (Flexural/bending test ranges from 4.01 Mpa --5.40 Mpa, compression ranging from 120.99 Mpa -- 94.21 and wear index values ranging from 34.91 -- 22.0. These results showed improved physical and mechanical properties, making these composite suitable for automotive, construction, and other industries. The implications of this research include: sustainable waste management and reduced deforestation, cost- effective, lightweight materials for industrial applications and potential for job creation and improved living standards, so in conclusion cissus populnear plant bark powder matrix for hybrid composite demonstrated promising physical and mechanical properties, comparable to some existing research. This sustainable material offers potential applications in construction, automotive, and manufacturing, promoting environmental and economic benefit.