Experimental investigation of mechanical behavior of GFRP composites reinforced with aloe vera and aluminum-based laminates

In this research, two novel GFRP-Epoxy composites one reinforced with Aloe Vera gel and the other with aluminum-powder with Aloe Vera gel laminates are tested for their mechanical characteristics. The objective is to compare their tensile strength, compressive strength and impact resistance. Composite laminate plates were fabricated and tested following ASTM standards. The results showed that the aluminum-reinforced GFRP composite exhibited significantly higher tensile strength (140 MPa), compressive strength (13 MPa), and impact resistance (16 Joules) compared to the Aloe Vera-reinforced composite. The findings indicate that aluminum-based fiber-metal laminates substantially improve the mechanical and environmental characteristics of GFRP composites, suggesting opportunities for advanced applications in the aerospace, automotive, and marine sectors.