Influence of Acacia concinna and Vachellia nilotica seed nanopowder on the properties of short Turkish hemp–reinforced epoxy composites

Abstract

The study intends to examine the physical, mechanical, and moisture (water) absorption properties of Acacia concinna seed powder (ACSP) and Vachellia nilotica seed powder (VNSP) individually incorporated with short Turkish hemp (STH) natural fiber–reinforced composites (NFRCs) hybridized with epoxy matrix. ACSP and VNSP of size 30–40 nm were amalgamated with epoxy matrix in varying weight proportions (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 wt%), and the composite laminates were stacked manually followed by hydraulic compression molding. The fabricated NFRC nano-filled samples were tested for their density and void content, tensile, compression, flexural, and impact strengths along with hardness and water absorption characteristics. The incorporation of 7.5% ACSP and VNSP improved physicomechanical properties viz., 15.27% and 16.64% increase in the tensile strength, 16.39% and 16.41% increase in the flexural strength, 20.15% and 20.19% increase in the impact strength, 11.38% and 11.41% increase in the compressive strength, as well as 15.17% and 15.21% increase in the hardness, compared to non-filler composites. On the basis of the results acquired from various compositions of ACSP and VNSP, STH-based NFRCs were fabricated with the best proportion (7.5 wt%) of both the seed powders, and their physiomechanical properties were determined. The composites were analyzed using an atomic force microscope and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscope to determine their suitability for diverse applications. Using scanning electron microscopy, we analyzed the bonding nature at the fiber/matrix interface. On the basis of the results obtained, it was found that the combination of ACSP and VNSP improved the performance of the fabricated STH-based NFRCs. In addition, these composites had a higher moisture resistance, which might have implications for marine and automobile structural applications.