Green Evolution: Advancing Epoxy Composite Materials with Durian Peel Fiber Innovation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2025.9099Keywords:
Epoxy, Composite materials, Durian peel fibers, Tensile strength, Flexural strength, Compressive strength, Izod impact strength, Minimum oxygen index, UL 94, Fire retardancyAbstract
This study explores the transformative effects of treating durian peel fibers with Ca(OH)2 solution and their subsequent application as a reinforcing agent in epoxy composite materials. Morphological and structural analyses reveal a notable improvement in compatibility and adhesion between treated fibers and epoxy resin, particularly at a 5 % Ca(OH)2 concentration. Durian fruit peel, after being treated with clear lime water (Ca(OH)2), is used to reinforce the epoxy composite material at the ratio of epoxy/durian fiber peel = 70/30. The results were established when durian peel fibers treated with 5 % lime water solution had the best mechanical properties (tensile strength: 65.68 MPa, flexural strength: 92.11MPa, compressive strength: 147.38 MPa, Izod impact strength: 9.07 kJ/m2). In terms of fire retardancy, the best results were also obtained when reinforcing durian peel fibers treated with 5 % concentration of lime solution in Ca(OH)2, specifically: Minimum oxygen index: LOI = 21.9 %, Burning speed according to UL 94: 20.66 mm/min. The structural morphology of the epoxy/durian peel fiber composite was evaluated using SEM. The results demonstrated good compatibility, with no evidence of layer exfoliation or phase separation at the epoxy resin-durian peel fiber interface when subjected to external forces. The results of the project indicate that epoxy composites reinforced with durian peel fibers hold great promise as a green, environmentally friendly material. By utilizing waste from the food industry, these composites offer potential applications across various fields, including the automotive, transportation, and construction industries.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Durian Peel Fiber Treatment: Durian peel fibers treated with 5 % Ca(OH)₂ solution for better adhesion to epoxy.
- Composite Reinforcement: Epoxy composite reinforced with 30 % durian peel fiber (epoxy/durian fiber = 70/30).
- Mechanical Properties: Best results with 5 % Ca(OH)₂-treated fibers (tensile strength: 65.68 MPa, flexural strength: 92.11 MPa, compressive strength: 147.38 MPa, impact strength: 9.07 kJ/m²).
- Fire Retardancy: Improved fire resistance (LOI = 21.9 %, burning speed: 20.66 mm.min-1).
- Applications: Promising for use in automotive, transportation, and construction industries.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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