Study On Mechanical Properties Of Stinging Nettles Based Fiber Reinforced Vinyl Ester Composites For Sustainable Engineering Applications

Abstract

Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites are increasingly being explored as sustainable alternatives to conventional synthetic materials. In the present work, stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) fibers were used as reinforcement with vinyl ester resin as the matrix to develop a hybrid composite material. The fibers were first processed and cut into short lengths to ensure uniform distribution within the matrix. Composite laminates were then fabricated using the compression moulding technique at a temperature of 100 °C, with a composition of 60% vinyl ester resin and 40% stinging nettle fiber. The use of natural fibers such as nettle offers advantages including biodegradability, low density, and reduced environmental impact compared to conventional reinforcements. The developed composite is expected to provide a sustainable material option for various engineering and structural applications, while also promoting the utilization of renewable natural resources in polymer composite development.