Studies on Tamarind Seed Kernel-Based Bio Composites for Fire Performance and Degradability to Enhance Shelf Life, Under the Influence of Additives

Abstract

Natural fibre reinforced composites have received a lot of interest in recent years as prospective building components for low-cost applications. Natural fibers offer good opportunity as composite reinforcement, as they are strong, light, cheap and renewable. Numerous experiments have been conducted to emphasize the use of bio-based materials for various applications. Considering environmental aspects, the current research is concentrated on bio-based binder and reinforcement. The objective here is to conduct various experiments for fire behaviour to justify its insulation property, fungal behaviour for degradability, moisture absorption and mechanical properties in order to tabulate results and to quantify the variations. Justify optimal composition and parameter responsible for variation by DOE-Taguchi technique. Experimental results presented reduction in burning rate with increase in Tamarind Seed Kernel Gum (TSG), attaining lowest of 8.29 mm/min at 60% Paper Cellulose (PC) and 40% TSG falling within the class of UL94HB for horizontal testing, 26.92 mm/min for vertical testing. The PC in combination with TSG influenced development of ‘Mucore’ category fungus resulting in rapid degradation, this is addressed by additives namely ‘Boric Acid’ and ‘Turmeric Powder’. Poor performance observed in terms of moisture behaviour hampering the sustainability of composites.