The structural and thermal integrity of novel bio-polymer composite processed from Ethiopian teff husk particles for constructional applications

Abstract

The inclusion of bio-fillers to develop a newer material to satisfy the needs of the sustainability agenda is a prime strategy followed by the research communities in recent days. In connection with this, the current work is on the utilization of Teff seed coat powder as an efficient reinforcement in epoxy composites. The open casting method was followed to cast four different proportions of teff powder reinforcement like 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10% along with neat epoxy. The structural and thermal integrity of the material was investigated with tensile, compressive and thermogravimetric analyses. The density analysis explored the decrement trend in density for the increased content of teff particles. An epoxy composite reinforced with 7.5% teff powder claims to be an exceptional candidate for structural applications with improved properties than other variants. Composites of all compositions have 57% to 130% higher modulus and 39% to 70% higher strength than neat epoxy. Scanning electron micrographs are utilized to understand the structure–property relationships. TG/DTG studies showed that adding teff husk did not affect maximum degradation temperature, but the development of char enhanced the initial degradation temperature accomplished when compared to pristine composites.