| Summary: | In this study, the effects of thermal ageing on the scratch‐resistance properties of natural‐fibre‐reinforced epoxy
composites were investigated. Jute, kenaf and hemp‐fibre‐reinforced epoxy composites were fabricated using
the vacuum infusion method. The natural‐fibre‐reinforced composites were exposed to thermal ageing for 7,
15, and 30 d at 90 °C temperature. Scratch tests were carried out using a CSM Revetest Xpress machine.
The scratch resistance properties, such as the critical normal load, coefficient of friction, penetration depth,
fracture toughness, scratch hardness, and scratch tearing were determined after thermal ageing. The results
demonstrate that the scratch resistance of the composites decreased as the thermal ageing time increased.
However, the jute‐fibre‐reinforced epoxy composites had the highest critical normal load, fracture toughness
and scratch hardness compared to those of kenaf and hemp‐fibre‐reinforced epoxy composites after 30 d of
thermal ageing.
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