Optimization of short Indian Areca fruit husk fiber (Areca catechu L.)–reinforced polymer composites for maximizing mechanical properties

ABSTRACT

Natural fibers are being used as reinforcing materials for polymer composites due to their eco-friendly properties. Areca fruit husk fiber (AFHF) is one such fiber; it is currently discarded waste from the tobacco industry, but has huge potential. It is light in weight with a perforated surface that enables good bonding with a polymer matrix. In this study, comprehensive characterization of physical, chemical, thermal, mechanical, and microstructural properties was carried out on the fiber and the composite made with that fiber to optimize the fiber content. The optimum fiber content is found to be 40 wt.%, whereas beyond that, fiber pull-out and debonding reduces the load-bearing capacity of the composite. The specific properties of AFHF polymer composite are even higher than that of the popular E-glass fiber composite, which positions AFHF composite as an alternative structural material.

KEYWORDS:

• Areca catechu fruit husk fiber
• mechanical properties
• polymer-matrix composites
• scanning electron microscopy
• thermal properties

Acknowledgment

The authors express their debt of gratitude to the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee - 247667, Uttarakand, India, for making its amenities and equipment available for this study.