Chicken feather fiber—African star apple leaves bio-composite: empirical study of mechanical and morphological properties

Abstract

This study explored and compared the use of two agro-based material from different sources; plant and animal as reinforcement for polymeric materials. African star apple leaves particulates of 450 μm, 30% weight fraction and matted chicken fiber of same weight fraction were used to produce a composite using polyester resin as matrix. Hybridization of the two reinforcements was also done to check their compatibility. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis and mechanical tests were carried out on the composite samples produced. Result showed a decrease in tensile strength, tensile modulus and percentage elongation with an increase in flexural strength, and impact strength. Wear resistance also improved due to addition of the reinforcements. The composite containing African Star apple leaves particulate showcased a flexural strength of 13 MPa and a tensile strength of 44.47 MPa corresponding to a 6.06% decrease when compared to the pure matrix. Highest impact strength of 3.5 MPa was recorded in the Chicken feather fibre reinforced composite Microstructural analysis using SEM showed that particulate reinforced composite showcased better interfacial bonding compared to the hybrid composite and the fiber reinforced composite. African star apple leaves particulate and chicken feather fiber are good reinforcement material for polyester resin and can find application in interior parts of automobiles and also as coverings for electronic equipment.