Environment
O. O. Obiukwu; M. N. Nwigwe; T. O. Uchechukwu; J. Azubuike; D. A. Ekpechi
Abstract
Various fiber-matrix combinations were used to create biodegradable composites using sugar cane bagasse (SCB) fiber and a polyester resin (PES) matrix. SEM, FTIR, mechanical testing, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the method of soil burial were employed to assess the effects of the fiber content ...
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Various fiber-matrix combinations were used to create biodegradable composites using sugar cane bagasse (SCB) fiber and a polyester resin (PES) matrix. SEM, FTIR, mechanical testing, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the method of soil burial were employed to assess the effects of the fiber content (9-54 wt%), PLA (1-5.5 wt%), starch (1-5.5 wt%), and fiber treatment on the morphology of the surface, flexural, thermal, tensile as well as biodegradable qualities of polyester/sugar cane bagasse fiber biocomposites. The outcomes demonstrated that the optimal tensile strength of biocomposites, impact, and Flexural capabilities were attained by the 37 wt% treated sugar cane bagasse fibers. Tensile, flexural, and impact strength measurements for the 9, 18, 27, 37, 45, and 54 wt% biocomposites, respectively, ranged from 10.21 to 18.00, 21.33 to 28.12, and 12.21 to 15.67 Mpa. The results show that sugarcane bagasse-polyester composites demonstrated acceptable mechanical and multifunctional properties. This portrays the effectiveness of Sugarcane bagasse as reinforcement for Polyester matrix and its potential for eco-friendly fabrication of components.
