From Agricultural Waste to Eco‑Composites: Peanut Shell Powder in Jute‑Fabric‑Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Resin

Abstract

This research investigated the feasibility of utilizing peanut shell powder (PSP) as a sustainable and economical reinforcement for jute-unsaturated polyester resin composites. Composites were fabricated with varying filler ratios (0–15 wt%) of PSP and subsequently characterized for their physical, mechanical, thermal, structural, and morphological properties. Specifically, the maximum tensile strength of 27.75 MPa was attained at 6 wt% PSP, exceeding the 23.62 MPa of the neat jute-polyester composite (JPC) (0 wt% filler). Flexural strength also peaked at 6 wt% PSP, reaching 41.57 MPa compared to 34.23 MPa for the 0 wt% composite. However, higher filler loadings led to a decrease in these properties. Conversely, hardness and bulk density exhibited an upward trend with increasing filler content. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of hydroxyl (O-H) groups in the PSP, which significantly impacted the water absorption and soil degradation properties of the resulting composites. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) were performed to assess the thermal degradation behavior and thermal interaction within the composites. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs provided valuable insights into the interfacial bonding between the polyester resin, jute mat (JM), and PSP. These findings collectively indicate that PSP can be an effective and renewable reinforcement material for composite applications.