Studies on morphological, physico-chemical and mechanical properties of wheat straw reinforced polyester resin composite

Abstract

In this research, wheat straw (the agricultural by-product from the wheat plant, scientific name Triticum) reinforced unsaturated polyester resin composites were developed by applying a simple and easy technique to improve supportable composite materials. Therefore, untreated and sodium hydroxide-treated wheat straws have been used to form a strong and durable composite. The morphological, chemical and thermal properties of these composites were explained scientifically by using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction etc. Moreover, these eco-friendly composites were analyzed their mechanical, biodegradability, and water absorption properties and compared them. In detail, the tensile strengths of virgin resin (VR), untreated wheat straw reinforced composite (UTWSC), and 2% sodium hydroxide treated wheat straw reinforced composite (2TWSC) were found to be 11.75, 14.45, and 19.84 N/mm2 respectively. Therefore, the reinforcement performance of tensile strength for 2% sodium hydroxide treated composite of wheat straw (2TWSC) and the composite of untreated wheat straw (UTWSC) increased by ~ 69% and ~ 23% respectively than the composite of virgin resin. Again, the modified composite (2TWSC) was stronger (27%) and more durable (17%) than the untreated composite considering the mechanical strength and biodegradability. The TGA results indicate that the composites are stable up to 315 °C. This modified composite also shows superior crystallinity compared to the untreated one. The typical water absorption behavior follows the Fickian diffusion law. This developed sustainable composite could be used for chair, table, door panel, seatback, dashboard, park bench, cabinet, particleboard, fence, rooftop, etc.