Sustainable Composite Materials: A Study on Agro-Waste Reinforced Epoxy Composites
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Government Polytechnic, Kushal Nagar, Karnataka India.
Research Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2019, 04(02), 269-278
Publication history:
Received on 09 December 2019; revised on 19 December 2019; accepted on 28 December 2019
Abstract:
The growing demand for environmentally sustainable materials has accelerated research into natural fiber–reinforced polymer composites. This study investigates the development and performance of agro-waste reinforced epoxy composites using rice husk, coconut coir, and banana fiber as sustainable reinforcements. The selected agro-waste fibers were subjected to chemical surface treatments, including alkali, silane, and combined alkali–silane modifications, to enhance fiber–matrix interfacial adhesion. Composite laminates were fabricated using compression molding with varying fiber loadings ranging from 10 to 40 wt.%. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, flexural strength, impact resistance, and hardness were evaluated according to ASTM standards, along with thermal, morphological, and water absorption analyses. Results indicate that optimal fiber loading between 25–30 wt.% yields significant improvements in mechanical properties compared to neat epoxy, with banana fiber composites exhibiting the highest tensile strength (≈42 MPa) and flexural modulus (≈4.2 GPa). Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed adequate thermal stability up to 250°C, while treated composites demonstrated reduced moisture absorption and improved dimensional stability. Comparative assessment with synthetic fiber composites highlights substantial reductions in cost, energy consumption, and carbon footprint, albeit with moderate compromises in absolute strength. The findings establish agro-waste reinforced epoxy composites as viable, eco-friendly alternatives for non-structural and semi-structural applications in automotive interiors, construction panels, and consumer products, contributing to circular economy and sustainable material development.
Keywords:
Agro-waste composites; Natural fiber reinforced polymers; Epoxy composites; Sustainable materials; Banana fiber; Coconut coir; Rice husk; Surface treatment; Mechanical properties; Green composites
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