Enhancing mechanical performance of flax fiber/vinyl ester composites with coconut husk char: a sustainable approach for hybrid composite material

T. Balamurugan, G. K. Ayyadurai, Herri Trilaksana, Geetha Palani

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Polymer composite materials are widely used in diverse applications, prompting an ongoing quest to improve their performance. Coconut husk char, derived from agricultural waste, can be utilized as a filler or reinforcement in the composite. The char can provide additional strength and stiffness to the composite while enhancing its sustainability. Coconut husk char is abundant, low-cost, and renewable, making it as an attractive eco-friendly additive. This paper shows the incorporation of coconut husk char filler in flax fiber/vinyl ester hybrid composite at varying percentages (5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%). Mechanical tests were conducted to assess tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness properties. Upon the addition of 10 wt% char, maximum tensile strength of 46 MPa, hardness of 89, and impact strength of 36 J/m were achieved. There was a decrement in strength after 10 wt% due to poor interface development and char particle agglomeration. These results substantiated the efficacy of the ash filler in the development of the composite, potentially paving the way for further advancements in composite materials and offering valuable insights into the optimization of mechanical properties through innovative filler combinations. Graphical abstract: (Figure presented.)

Original languageEnglish
JournalBiomass Conversion and Biorefinery
DOIs
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 2024

Keywords

  • Coconut husk
  • Flax fiber
  • Mechanical properties
  • Natural fiber
  • Polymer composites
  • SEM

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