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This research aim at developing hybrid composites from natural fibers with improved mechanical properties targeted
in applications where high strength to weight ratio is required. In this work, Homopolymer Polypropylene (PP) was
used as matrix material while coconut (cocos nucifera) and sponge (luffa cylindrica) fibers were used as reinforcing
material to produce hybrid composites and to evaluate their mechanical properties such as tensile and flexural
properties. Selected fibers were locally sourced and extracted. Composites was developed by initially treating the
fibers in one molar concentration of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) before mixing in predetermined proportion with
polypropylene matrix using coconut/sponge fibers of 2/8, 4/6, 6/4 and 8/2 wt %. The development of hybrid
composites was carried out by heating compression moulding technique. From the result of the mechanical
properties that were performed on the samples, hybrid composite samples show the highest flexural and tensile
strength when compared to monolithic composite samples. Furthermore, all the composites gave better results when
compared to the unreinforced PP sample