Calamus tenuis fiber reinforced epoxy composites: effect of fiber loading on the tensile, structural, crystalline, thermal and morphological characteristics

Abstract

This study utilized Calamus tenuis fiber as reinforcement in fiber-reinforced polymer composites, focusing on the structural, crystalline, thermal, tensile, and morphological properties of Calamus tenuis fiber-reinforced epoxy composites (CTF/Epoxy composites). The composites were fabricated using the hand lay-up method, incorporating fiber weight fractions ranging from 0 wt% (neat epoxy) to 25 wt%, increasing in 5 wt% increments. FTIR spectroscopy identified the chemical compounds and functional groups, while XRD analysis confirmed that the crystalline structure of the composites remained unchanged with the addition of Calamus tenuis fibers. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that the 10 wt% CTF/Epoxy composite exhibited the highest thermal stability among the tested compositions. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis indicated an increased glass transition temperature (T_g) in the 10 wt% CTF/Epoxy composite, further confirming improved thermal stability. Notably, the 10 wt% fiber content led to significant improvements in tensile properties, with tensile strength increasing from 17.5 ± 1.42 MPa to 21.08 ± 1.03 MPa, and Young’s modulus rising from 2.53 ± 0.12 GPa to 2.84 ± 0.09 GPa. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) demonstrated enhanced fiber-epoxy bonding, while Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) indicated increased roughness with higher fiber loadings. Overall, the 10 wt% CTF/Epoxy composite shows substantial potential for structural and infrastructure applications.