Effect of bio and synthetic fillers on the physical mechanical and morphological analysis of alkaline treated natural fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composites

Abstract

Since recent years, natural fibre composite materials have gained significant popularity in several sectors such as automotive, marine, aerospace, defence, military, ornamental tiles, and sports. This is mostly because these composites are readily available, in addition to possessing superior mechanical properties, cost-effectiveness, biodegradability, and lightweight properties. Manmade polymer composites are difficult to discard, and certain countries restrict the use of plastics. This has led to an increase in the need for biodegradable fibers in recent years as a replacement for synthetic fibers. Plant fibers such as Luffa cylindrica, Caesar weed fiber, and roselle fiber have the potential to serve as alternative materials for sustainability. We wanted to make luffa cylindrica, Caesar weed fiber, and roselle fiber-reinforced hybrid epoxy composites with bio-java seed and graphene as fillers. We used the compression moulding method and changed the filler weight fractions from 0 to 8 wt.%. Chemically treating the luffa cylindrica, caesar weed fibre, and roselle fibre with 5% NaOH improved the outer surface of the fibres by eliminating wax, lignin, hemicellulose, and oil solubles. newline