Effect of bagasse ash filled epoxy composites reinforced with hybrid plant fibres for mechanical and thermal properties

Abstract

Bagasse ash (BGA) filled bio-composite were developed with the reinforced hybrid natural fibres sisal, flax, banana and kenaf to improve mechanical and thermal properties. The vacuum bag assisted resin transfer method is used to develop hybrid natural fibres reinforced epoxy composites in combination of banana/flax (HBF), banana/kenaf (HBK), sisal/flax (HSF), and sisal/kenaf (HSK). A ball milled BGA of size 350 nm with a combination of 1, 3 and 5 wt% were incorporated in bio-composites to study its effects in thermal and mechanical properties. Characterization of BGA samples for its chemical composition were done through X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis through thermo-gravimetric and derivative thermo-gravimetric analysis results contemplated the application of BGA-B as filler in epoxy composites. Mechanical testing and thermogravimetric analysis were conducted to ascertain mechanical properties and thermal stability of composites. The significant improvement in flexural, tensile and impact strength was observed for HBF composite filled up to 3 wt% of BGA. Interestingly maximum flexural and tensile strength was observed for HBK composite filled up to 5 wt% of BGA. The enhanced impact strength was determined for HSF and HSK composites filled with 1 wt% of BGA. The highest thermal stability was ascertained for HBK composites filled up to 3 wt% BGA and HSK composites with 5 wt% BGA. Morphological analysis was performed to study the fractured surface of the specimen using a scanning electron microscope.