Developing and characterizing Dracaena draco fiber-reinforced bio-epoxy composites for sustainable structural applications

Abstract

In view of the increasing need for lightweight and sustainable materials, this study investigates the potential of Dracaena draco fibers (DdFs), a plentiful agricultural waste, for use in a bio-epoxy (BE) matrix. This environmentally conscious method aims to enhance interfacial characteristics while reducing its negative impact on the environment. This work investigates the development of BEDdf composites and evaluates their suitability for sustainable structural applications. DdFs were extracted from plant leaves through a controlled retting process and incorporated into a BE matrix at 10 %, 20 %, and 30 % weight fractions. The composites were characterized using tensile and flexural tests, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)- differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and water absorption (WA) tests. The results show that adding 30 % DdF increased the tensile strength from 43.49 MPa (neat BE) to 98.50 MPa, a 126 % improvement, and raised Young’s modulus from 1.72 GPa to 2.23 GPa, a 30 % increase. Flexural strength improved by 38 % compared to neat BE, while DMA showed up to a 200 % increase in storage modulus. Thermal stability improved with fiber loadings up to 20 %, and FTIR confirmed strong chemical compatibility between the fiber and the matrix. WA increased with fiber content, reaching 55.12 % at a 30 % reinforcement level, reflecting the hydrophilic nature of DdFs. These findings confirm that DdFs are a promising reinforcement for BE, offering competitive performance compared to other natural fiber composites. Potential applications include lightweight panels in the automotive sector, cladding and insulation in construction, as well as interior structural components in the aerospace industry. By utilizing an underexplored plant fiber, this study contributes to expanding the portfolio of sustainable materials for structural engineering.