Comprehensive Characterization of Novel Jute Fabrics with Musa Paradisiaca Leaf Agro-Waste Based Micro Cellulosic Fillers Reinforced Epoxy Composites For Lightweight Applications

Abstract

For lightweight, sustainable, high-strength products, hybrid bio-epoxy composites materials were the most excellent choice for the production industry. The investigation proceeds in developing a four-stacked sequence jute-woven mats reinforced with epoxy composite and added with micro-cellulose fillers. The extraction of micro cellulose from Musa paradisiaca plant leaf (MPPL) was carried out through a series of processes, including alkali treatment, acid hydrolysis, bleaching, and slow pyrolysis. The composite was fabricated using the conventional hand lay-up method and compression molding. The microcellulose was added to the stacked composite at varying weight percentages (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10%). Thermo-mechanical and water intake characterization were investigated using ASTM. The findings revealed that incorporating 5% MPPL cellulose into the jute-stacked layer sequence resulted in improved hardness (95 HRRW), tensile modulus (3407.69 MPa), tensile strength (79.74 MPa), flexural modulus (2195.752 MPa), flexural strength (56.87 MPa), and crystallinity index (72.7%). However, a reduction in impact strength (23.27 kJ/m²) was noted compared to the unfilled composite. The higher thermal degradation (480 °C) behavior of the filler-reinforced composite makes them a suitable material for applications in high-temperature environments. Fractographical morphology was also investigated to reveal the bonding behavior, voids formations, agglomeration of fillers, and fracture behavior. Thus, this distinguishable composite characterization will aid the manufacturing industries in producing high-strength biodegradable materials.