Enhancing the properties of date palm fibre reinforced bio-epoxy composites with chitosan – Synthesis, mechanical properties, and dimensional stability

Abstract

The present work deals with the mechanical behavior of dual bonding filler; chitosan (CTS) and date palm (DP) fibre in bio-epoxy composites. The primary objective of this research was to find out if the addition of CTS particles to a DP/bio-epoxy composite could enhance its mechanical properties. Bio-composites are being developed to better understand and manipulate the unique features of these versatile polysaccharides. CTS was included into the bio-epoxy matrix through solution mixing. Bio-epoxy composites with 40% DP fibre loading were developed by dispersing different CTS filler ratios - 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. For the purpose of comparison, a control sample was prepared without the inclusion of the CTS filler. The mixture was then manually disseminated for 7–10 min before being uniformly drenched into a steel cast mould with dimensions of 150 mm (width) 150 mm (length) 3 mm (thickness) and taken to the hot press, after which it underwent heating at a temperature of 110 °C for a duration of 10 minutes, while being subjected to a significant pressure of 250 bar. Tensile properties, impact properties, flexural properties, morphological characterization, water absorption, and thickness swelling were all measured on the prepared bio-composites. Among the CTS fractions, DP/CTS20 has the highest tensile strength (24.04 MPa) and tensile modulus (4.93 GPa), flexural strength (45.11 MPa), and impact strength (2.70 J/m2). The scanning electron microscope exposes the properties of fibres and polymers, as well as the reason for tensile test deficiency. Remarkably, bio-composites with higher CTS content have elevated moisture content and dimensional instability. Generally, we diagnosis that DP/CTS20 had the best tensile, flexural, and impact properties, as well as the highest water absorption and thickness swelling of any CTS compositions. The discovery improved our knowledge of bio-composite implementation trends, allowing us to assess their potential for more dependable implementations of much more sustainable green products. Furthermore, material enhancements such as bio-epoxy toughening to change the ductility behavior to improve energy absorption or natural fibre pretreatment can improve interbonding between the matrix and filler.