What is it about?

This study looks at a new lightweight material made by combining two types of fibers: carbon fiber, which is very strong, and sisal fiber, which comes from a natural plant. By placing carbon fiber on the outside layers and sisal fiber in the middle, we created a “sandwich” structure that is both strong and environmentally friendly. The goal was to make a material that is light in weight, strong under load, and resistant to wear when used in machines or vehicles. Our tests showed that this combination performs better than using only natural fibers and is more cost-effective than using only carbon fibers. It also absorbs impact well and wears down more slowly during friction. This makes the material suitable for applications such as automotive parts, protective equipment, and lightweight panels, where both strength and durability are important. The research helps move industry toward materials that are high-performing yet more sustainable.

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Why is it important?

This study is unique because it combines carbon fiber and sisal fiber in a sandwich composite structure, which has rarely been explored for improving both mechanical strength and tribological (wear and friction) performance at the same time. While many studies use natural fibers for sustainability or carbon fibers for high performance, our work brings the two together in a balanced design that delivers the strengths of both materials. The research is also timely because industries are urgently seeking lightweight, eco-friendly, and cost-effective materials to meet global sustainability goals. By using sisal—a renewable and easily available natural fiber—along with carbon fiber, this hybrid material reduces cost and environmental impact without compromising performance. The difference our work can make is significant: the composite demonstrates high stiffness, improved impact resistance, and lower wear rates, making it an attractive option for automotive panels, protective structures, and other engineering applications where durability and sustainability are equally important. This offers industries a practical pathway to transition from fully synthetic composites toward greener hybrid materials.

Perspectives

From my perspective, this publication represents an important step in my ongoing effort to bridge the gap between high-performance engineering materials and sustainable natural alternatives. Working on this study allowed me to explore how two very different fibers—carbon and sisal—can be brought together in a meaningful and practical way. I was particularly motivated by the idea that strong, durable materials do not always have to come at the cost of environmental impact or affordability. During the research, I gained a deeper appreciation for how natural fibers like sisal can contribute more than just sustainability; they also provide toughness, energy absorption, and valuable functional properties when used intelligently. Seeing these fibers perform strongly alongside carbon fiber in structural and tribological tests was especially rewarding. For me, this work is not just about reporting data—it reflects my long-term commitment to developing advanced composite materials that are both technically sound and environmentally responsible. I hope this study encourages others to explore hybrid material systems and to view natural fibers as capable partners in modern engineering design.

Dr Gurumurthy B Ramaiah
Federal TVET Institute/University, Ethiopia

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Mechanical and tribological behavior of carbon-sisal fiber reinforced sandwich composites, Emerging Materials Research, December 2025, Emerald,
DOI: 10.1680/jemmr.25.00071.
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