Utilizing the aquatic waste and investigation on water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) natural plant in to the fibre composite: Waste recycling

• Main Authors: Ajithram, A., Winowlin Jappes, J.T., Siva, I., Brintha, N.C.
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Absorption properties; Mechanical properties; Polymer composite; SEM; WH Natural fibers
• ISSN: 2214-7853; 2214-7853
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2022.02.301

Nowadays, natural fibres are mostly used as reinforcement material instead of using synthetic fibre because of their environmentally friendly characteristics. Water hyacinth is a free-floating aquatic plant mainly available in local water bodies. This plant gains the very fastest-growing characteristics compare to other aquatic plants. This plant fibre is extracted by utilizing the Mechanical extraction machine from the WH stem. After the extraction of fibre then the WH dried stem is converted into hyacinth powder and ash particles. With the mixing of the epoxy matrix material to the hyacinth fibre reinforcement WH composite is produced. The mechanical strength of WH fibre composite varies from 18.28 to 23.46 MPa on tensile, 26.52 to 45.6 MPa on flexural, and 0.10 to 0.5 J with respective plate thickness on impact strength. Based on water and chemical absorption studies the hyacinth composite absorbs only 2.5% of the water and chemical contents. Throughout this paper water, hyacinth fibre composites' mechanical strengths and surface morphologies are studies. These composite surfaces are examined with the help of an optical microscope. Finally, hyacinth fibre composite attains more strength compare to powder and ash composites. In conclusion novel, hyacinth composite is the better alternative to use conventional natural fibres on economic aspects and waste management approach.