Hybrid Thermoplastic Composites Reinforced with Recycled Cotton and Ramie Fibers: Structural Integrity and Mechanical Performance

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nandha Engineering College, Perundurai 638052, Tamil Nadu, India

^* Corresponding author: bvelliyangiri@gmail.com

Published online: 25 November 2025

Abstract

To make biobased thermoplastic composites, thermoplastic matrices are often combined with natural fibers that are both stiff and strong. Affordable, fairly robust, environmentally friendly, and easily produced thermoplastic composites are ideal for low-end uses like the building and furnishing sectors, which do not necessitate a maximum load capability. Because of their affordable price and good physical and mechanical qualities, recycled cotton fibers gathered from the industry can successfully break into this composite business. Nevertheless, there are obstacles to improving the reinforcing efficiency of composites while maintaining their structural integrity. In order to address these concerns, a novel method was proposed for the recovery of cotton fibers from waste fabric and the conversion of these fibers into dried preforms, all while ensuring that their structural integrity is maintained to the best of our ability. To maximize the hybrid reinforcing efficiency of the composites, Ramie fibers have been mixed with recycled fibers in a polypropylene matrix. When the yarn length was 20 mm, the composite quasi-static tensile and flexural tests produced the best results in terms of flexural modulus (1.924 GPa), tensile strength (29.51 MPa), flexural strength (66.8 MPa), and tensile modulus (1.384 GPa). Utilizing the hybrid rule of combination in composites consisting of recycled cotton and ramie fiber enhanced the tensile modulus (TM) to around 2.379 GPa and the impact strength (IS) to roughly 71.32 kJ/m2. Ramie fiber adds rigidity and toughness to the composites. The incorporation of recycled cotton fiber and strong ramie fiber into thermoplastic composites allows for the achievement of mechanical qualities that are specifically matched to the application.