Synthesis and mechanical behavior studies of bio-waste derived low-cost composite materials

Abstract

Abstract Composite materials are the tailor- made multifunctional materials consisting of suitable physical and mechanical properties for the applications in various fields such as aerospace, sensitive electronic equipment, marine, civil construction, etc. In this work, a bio-waste derived composite material was synthesized using compression molding of cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) (bio-waste resin) along with 3% paraformaldehyde, coconut coir, and sugarcane bagasse. Fibers separated from coconut husk and sugarcane bagasse were collected locally (at Tenali) and used for the synthesis after post-treatment. Those samples were separately treated with 0.1 N NaOH solution for the activation and dried at room temperature before preparation of composite material. Coconut coir, sugarcane fibers, and Cashew nut shell based hybrid composite specimens were tested for tensile strength using Electronic Tensometer. Sugarcane fibers, Coconut coir, and Cashew nut shell resin based hybrid composite exhibited a tensile strength of 11.5 Mpa, 2.6 MPa, and 5.9 MPa, respectively and tensile modulus of the sugarcane fibers, coconut coir and hybrid composite are 4.8 GPa, 0.4 GPa, and 0.5 GPa, respectively. The surface morphology was studied using scanning electron microscopy. The topography of the composite material showed a smooth surface devoid of any morphological features. Further, the composite material will be tested for the suitability of the application.