Subsequent alkali-silane treated cellulose-free veld grape fiber and Ziziphus jujuba microparticle epoxy composite: characterization study

• Published in: Biomass conversion and biorefinery 2024-09, Vol.14 (18), p.22065-22072
• Main Authors: Xavier, J. Francis, Ramadoss, R., Duraimurugan, P., Jayaseelan, V.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biotechnology; Energy; Original Article; Renewable and Green Energy
• ISSN: 2190-6815; 2190-6823
• DOI: 10.1007/s13399-023-04104-0

This research looked at how the properties of an epoxy-based biocomposite changed when a cellulose-free veldt grape ( Cissus quadrangularis ) fiber (VGF) and Ziziphus jujuba seed (ZJS) micro powder were added. The primary goal of this study was to reveal how cellulose-free plant fiber influences on the load-bearing and time-dependent behavior of a polymer matrix composite. The fiber was treated with 0.5, 1, and 2 N NaOH solution as three stands and subsequently treated using aminosilane. The composites were made using a hand layup process and tested. It is noted that the subsequent alkali treatment on fiber and silane treatment improved the mechanical properties by up to 59%. A highest tensile strength of 148 MPa was noted for composite with “A3” designation. Similarly, the fatigue life counts also improved from 974 to 36,471 counts when 30 vol.% of VGF addition with 1 vol.% of particle. Similar findings were found in SEM pictures of fractured composites, which showed strongly reacted phases of fiber. However, the addition of cellulose-free fiber slightly increased the water uptake behavior, but is acceptable in range. The results of this characterization study showed that epoxy with surface-modified VGF and ZJS composites might be employed in a variety of industrial applications to reduce weight and high-performance activities.