Comprehensive Characterization of Novel Agro-Industrial Waste Azadirachta indica A. Juss Oil Cake Derived Cellulose Micro Fillers Reinforced with Basalt/Banana Fiber Based Hybrid Polymeric Composite for Lightweight Applications

Abstract

Raw material demand has increased across many sectors as the world's population has become more aware of the importance of using environmentally friendly and long-lasting products. Over exploitation of wood as a cellulose source has caused serious environmental problems. New cellulose sources are sought by scientists. Oil cakes result from cold pressing seeds to extract edible and non-edible oils can be a resource for solving this demand. Pollution and manufacturing costs would decrease if oilseed cake were used to make cellulose with waste-to-material approach. In this scenario, an effort was made to get cellulose fillers from Azadirachta indica A. Juss neem oil cake to reinforce with polymeric matrix composites. Basalt/banana fibres were reinforced with cellulose filler made from Azadirachta indica A. Juss neem oil by compression moulding method to fabricate a new type of polyester-based hybrid composite. Novel cellulosic fillers reinforcement weight percentage (from 0 to 10 wt%) was investigated for its effects on mechanical, thermal, water absorption, and fractographic properties. FTIR, SEM, XRD, and TGA analysis were some analytical methods used to look into how the material characters changed. Optimal load transmission between the matrix and the fibres was further optimised by adding cellulosic fillers, which improved mechanical and thermal properties. NCC-filled hybrid composite types were found to be more resistant to temperature changes when compared with simpler matrix-type composites, as revealed by the TGA. The composites with 7.5 wt.% cellulosic filler had maximum tensile, flexural, and impact properties of 53.23 ± 6.03 MPa, 176.14 ± 12.61 MPa, and 92.77 ± 3.66 kJ/m², respectively. The fractography analysis confirmed the perfect bonding between the reinforcements and the matrix which will be well suitable for structural and semi-structural applications.