Grewia optiva fiber-reinforced epoxy and epoxy-babool gum resin composites: mechanical and acoustic properties

Abstract

The mechanical and acoustic properties of composites made from Grewia optiva fiber (GOF)-reinforced epoxy and epoxy-babool gum resin are examined. The biocomposites were prepared with different amounts (5%, 10%, and 15%) of continuous and discontinuous GOFs. It was found that using continuous GOFs significantly improves tensile strength and modulus compared to discontinuous fibers. Increasing the GOF content enhances the tensile properties over pure resin. Continuous fiber-reinforced composites also showed slightly better flexural strength and load-bearing capacity during testing, with 15% continuous GOF composites having the highest tensile and flexural strength. Microscopic analysis showed good bonding between the fibers and the matrix, though some minor defects like debonding and fiber breakage were observed. Acoustic testing revealed that these composites effectively absorb sound in the mid-frequency range, with GOF-reinforced epoxy-babool composites performing best. The research highlights the potential of using natural fibers and resins to create eco-friendly, high-performance biocomposites, offering a sustainable solution for material disposal and promoting green practices.