Polymer Bulletin最新文献

{"title":"Response surface-guided multi-objective optimization of CR/NR blend mechanical and rheological properties using artificial bee colony algorithm","authors":"Derya Deliktaş,&nbsp;Ezgi Aktar Demirtas,&nbsp;Mert Göksüzoğlu","doi":"10.1007/s00289-026-06653-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00289-026-06653-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study investigates the optimization of vulcanization characteristics and mechanical properties of Chloroprene Rubber (CR) and Natural Rubber (NR) blends by integrating Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with the Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm. Since CR is widely used in the automotive industry but is relatively expensive, blending it with NR was explored as a strategy to achieve a cost–performance balance suitable for industrial applications. The effects of formulation parameters—including accelerators, retarders, vulcanization agents, and the NR proportion—on key response variables were systematically examined. In the first stage, experiments were designed using a Central Composite Design (CCD), and regression models for hardness (H), tensile strength (TS), and Tan δ were developed based on Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). In the second stage, these models were integrated into a multi-objective optimization framework using the ABC algorithm. To address conflicting objectives, scalarization methods (weighted sum, conic, and Tchebycheff) were employed. The Conic Scalarization Method (CSM) yielded the most robust optimization performance, allowing flexible trade-offs between mechanical strength and dynamic properties. For instance, prioritizing Tan δ minimization (w₃ = 0.8) resulted in a Tan δ value of 0.076, with corresponding hardness and tensile strength of 49.53 ShA and 16.23 MPa, respectively. Conversely, when H was prioritized (w₁ = 0.8), values of 57.15 ShA hardness, 19.38 MPa tensile strength, and 0.198 Tan δ were obtained. Prioritizing TS (w₂ = 0.8) yielded 24.86 MPa, with 53.60 ShA hardness and 0.238 Tan δ. These findings highlight that the proposed CSM-based MOABC approach enables engineers to adjust CR/NR formulations according to targeted design requirements, offering a versatile tool for developing cost-effective and high-performance automotive rubber components.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":737,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Bulletin","volume":"83 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148838228","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Creep behavior and dynamic mechanical performance of ball-milled poly(ether-ketone)/MWCNT nanocomposites","authors":"Manisha G. Kulthe,&nbsp;Rajendra K. Goyal,&nbsp;Bhagwan U. Sonawane,&nbsp;Suyog D. Gaikwad","doi":"10.1007/s00289-026-06668-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00289-026-06668-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The present research work accentuates the influence of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the creep response and dynamic mechanical characteristics of poly-ether-ketone (PEK)-based nanocomposites synthesised via ball milling followed by subsequent hot pressing. The MWCNTs content in the polymer nanocomposites was varied from 0 to 5 wt. % (3.48 vol. %). The storage modulus and microhardness of the PEK nanocomposites were found to increase by approximately 30% and 46%, respectively, in contrast to pristine PEK. A reduction of almost 15% in creep strain was observed at 120 °C for 2.07 vol.% MWCNTs as compared to that of pure PEK. The creep and recovery behaviour of all the as-prepared PEK/MWCNT nanocomposites was successfully described by the Findley, Burgers, and Weibull models, with R² values spanning from 0.90 to 0.97. Among the investigated compositions, the PRK/MWCNT (3 wt.%) nanocomposite sample exhibited the best creep performance, with the lowest Findley parameters (A = 0.023, n = 0.009) and the highest Maxwell modulus (8501.59 MPa) obtained from the Burgers model. MWCNT content up to 3 wt.% (2.07 vol.%) was found to be more effective in reducing the creep strain rate of PEK/MWCNT Nanocomposites by 67% as compared to pure PEK.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":737,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Bulletin","volume":"83 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148838247","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reinforcing natural rubber with biomass carbon dots via epoxidized natural rubber mediated interfacial interactions in a latex mixing process","authors":"Jing Chen,&nbsp;Lusheng Liao,&nbsp;Yanni Chen,&nbsp;Yuequn Huang,&nbsp;Yingjie Li,&nbsp;Wanyi Huang,&nbsp;Yuge Liu,&nbsp;WenFeng Peng","doi":"10.1007/s00289-026-06674-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00289-026-06674-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The application of biomass-derived carbon dots (CDs) as reinforcing nanofillers in non-polar natural rubber (NR) is fundamentally challenged by the interfacial incompatibility between the polar surface functionalities of CDs and the non-polar NR matrix. To overcome this limitation, we we report a pre-combination strategy in which CDs are first dispersed in epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) latex before blending with NR. Using orange peel–derived CDs, the resulting NR composite with 1.0 phr CDs achieves the best balance of properties, including the highest crosslink density and optimal dynamic mechanical performance. At 2.0 phr, the tensile strength reaches 32.7 MPa, representing a 67.7% enhancement over the unfilled control, while elongation at break is maintained. Notably, the composite demonstrates dramatically improved thermo-oxidative aging resistance: it retains 50.3% of its initial tensile strength after aging—substantially higher than the 9.3% retention observed for the unmodified control. FTIR and XPS analyses reveal hydrogen-bonding interactions between surface functional groups of CDs and the epoxy groups of ENR. Comprehensive characterization reveals that the CDs operate synergistically as multifunctional agents: they serve as physical cross-linking nodes that strengthen the elastomeric network through hydrogen bonding, while also serving as radical scavengers to inhibit oxidative degradation. This dual mechanism enables the simultaneous improvement in both mechanical properties and aging stability, presenting a simple strategy for developing high-performance, sustainable rubber composites.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":737,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Bulletin","volume":"83 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148838248","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pressure-induced changes in free volume and conductive property transitions of polypropylene","authors":"Weizhuo Li,&nbsp;Taixiang Luan,&nbsp;Ziyang Dong,&nbsp;Xuan Wang,&nbsp;Yewen Zhang","doi":"10.1007/s00289-026-06578-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00289-026-06578-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>With the rapid development of deep-sea electrical equipment such as 500 kV submarine cables and 10,000-m-class underwater soft robots, increasingly stringent demands are being placed on the performance of insulating polymers under extreme conditions. However, existing studies lack a thorough understanding of the polymer glass transition within a continuous pressure domain and of the intrinsic correlation between glass transition behavior and electrical conduction properties. To address this issue, the present work adopts a pressure-oriented perspective. Using homopolymer polypropylene (PP) as the test material, we designed an apparatus that takes pressure as the variable to examine the electrical and mechanical properties of polymers under high pressure. The volume–pressure data of PP during compression from the rubbery state to the glassy state were measured over a pressure range from 1 atm to 600 MPa and a temperature range of 20–50°C, together with the change in conduction current over a pressure range from 1 atm to 300 MPa. The isothermal glass transition pressure of PP in the 20–50°C range was determined to be 229.63–290.15 MPa. Based on the Tait equation of state and the locally correlated lattice (LCL) model, the critical free volume fraction of PP at the glass transition was calculated to be 11.83%–13.88%. The results reveal the piecewise transition characteristics of the conduction mechanism of PP under high pressure: in the low-pressure rubbery regime, conduction follows thermally activated hopping-like conduction; in the high-pressure glassy regime, it transforms into variable-range hopping conduction. The steady-state conductivity in the glassy state is approximately 36% lower than that in the rubbery state at atmospheric pressure. Within the experimental pressure domain, a relationship between the conductivity and the free volume fraction was established. These findings provide key data and theoretical support for the insulation design of power systems in deep-sea underwater robots and for improving the long-term stability of polymer devices under high-pressure environments, while also offering a new research perspective for the performance optimization and material selection of polymer insulating materials under extreme conditions.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":737,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Bulletin","volume":"83 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148838246","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Visible-light photocatalytic degradation of benzene and toluene using a rice husk derived (GO/TiO₂/PPy) nanocomposite","authors":"Saddam Husain,&nbsp;Syahidah Akmal Muhammad,&nbsp;Khozema Ahmed Ali,&nbsp;Mohd Saquib Tanweer,&nbsp;Mohammad Faisal Umar","doi":"10.1007/s00289-026-06671-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00289-026-06671-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>A graphene oxide (GO)-anchored TiO₂/polypyrrole (PPy) nanocomposite was synthesized to enhance the photocatalytic degradation of volatile organic compounds such as benzene and toluene. The hydrothermally synthesized nanocomposite was characterized using Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS), Raman spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) adsorption studies. The GO/TiO₂/PPy nanocomposite exhibited a reduced band gap of 2.4 eV and a high surface area with 92.39 m²/g, which significantly enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity. The nanocomposite exhibited superior degradation efficiency for benzene (99.18%) and toluene (99.96%) under UV-visible light, outperforming GO/TiO₂ catalysts. This enhanced performance is attributed to the synergistic interactions between GO, TiO₂ and PPy, which promote efficient charge separation and suppress electron-hole recombination. Furthermore, the catalyst demonstrated excellent stability over four consecutive cycles, indicating its potential as a sustainable photocatalyst for environmental remediation.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":737,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Bulletin","volume":"83 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148838063","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Study on the properties of POSS doped and modified low dielectric photosensitive PI nanocomposites","authors":"Tian Zhong,&nbsp;Wenlong Liu,&nbsp;Hangshuo Dong,&nbsp;Shaoguo Tang,&nbsp;Hongyu Ren,&nbsp;Xingwen Zhang","doi":"10.1007/s00289-026-06670-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00289-026-06670-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Polyimide (PI) is widely used in the fields of integrated circuits and microelectronics due to its strong structure designability and excellent dielectric properties. However, the dielectric constant and loss of traditional PI are relatively high, which cannot meet the requirements of 5G development. In this work, a fluorine-containing photosensitive PI (PSPI) with excellent solubility was prepared by a two-step method. The reactive diluents and a photoinitiator were added to prepare a PSPI resin. After UV curing, the contact angle of the PSPI film was 67.4°, and the relative dielectric constant measured at 1000 kHz was 2.51. By adding 7-phenyl-epoxy polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (B-POSS) as a modifier, at a B-POSS loading of 5%, the resultant POSS/PSPI composite film achieved the maximum contact angle of 94.5°, representing a 40.2% increase compared with pure PSPI. When the B-POSS content was elevated to 7%, the composite delivered the minimum relative dielectric constant of 2.04 at 1000 kHz, which was reduced by 18.7% relative to the pristine PSPI. The addition of B-POSS improved the hydrophobicity and dielectric properties of the PSPI film. This research provides a feasible approach for obtaining low dielectric PI films with excellent comprehensive performance in the field of electronic devices.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":737,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Bulletin","volume":"83 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148837984","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A long-term anti-aging and anti-migration nanoscale core-shell flame retardant with supramolecular lock-shell layers for ABS composites","authors":"Jiayi Li,&nbsp;Shu Liu,&nbsp;Hao Ning,&nbsp;Chengshao Jiang,&nbsp;Hongying Liu,&nbsp;Yingzhe Ni,&nbsp;Weibo Kong,&nbsp;Lixia Bao,&nbsp;Jiliang Wang","doi":"10.1007/s00289-026-06615-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00289-026-06615-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) is widely used but inherently flammable, and conventional flame retardants often suffer from poor compatibility, high migration tendency, or compromised mechanical properties. Herein, a novel nitrogen-phosphorus (N/P) synergistic flame retardant, ammonium 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyl tri(phosphate) (ATTP), was synthesized, and a nanoscale core-shell flame retardant (NCSFR) with ATTP as the core and crosslinked polyacrylates as the shell was constructed via a supramolecular lock-shell strategy. This unique supramolecular encapsulation not only transforms micron-sized rod-like ATTP into 300–900 nm nanoparticles but also enhances interfacial affinity with ABS. At 40 wt% loading, NCSFR/ABS achieved a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 24.8% (vs. 17.1% for pure ABS) and superior combustion inhibition (peak heat release rate reduced by 46.2% vs. pure ABS), outperforming ATTP/ABS. TG-IR and SEM confirmed a N/P synergistic biphasic mechanism, that is, gas-phase release of non-flammable gases and phosphorus radicals, and condensed-phase formation of a dense char layer. Benefiting from the supramolecular lock-shell structure, NCSFR/ABS exhibited better mechanical properties than ATTP/ABS at the same 40 wt% loading (tensile strength: 25.3 MPa vs. 21.9 MPa), excellent high-temperature aging resistance (96.77% LOI retention after 100 ℃/2 h aging), and migration resistance (13.33% mass loss after 80 ℃ water immersion, versus 40% for ATTP/ABS). This work highlights the superiority of supramolecular encapsulation in balancing flame retardancy, mechanical performance, and durability for ABS, addressing key bottlenecks of traditional additives.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":737,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Bulletin","volume":"83 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148838244","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Performance evaluation of basalt/hemp/carbon fiber-reinforced hybrid polymer composites incorporating mineral and natural fillers","authors":"S. P. Jani,&nbsp;Sujin Jose Arul,&nbsp;R. S. Jayaram,&nbsp;P. V. Prasanth","doi":"10.1007/s00289-026-06667-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00289-026-06667-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>There have been several efforts on designing hybrid polymer composites using both natural and synthetic reinforcements to harness the potential of combining sustainable aspects of natural fibers and engineering properties of synthetic materials. In this research work, hybrid epoxy composites were fabricated by adding constant amounts of calcium carbonate and coconut shell fillers along with hemp, carbon, and basalt fibers. For testing the effect of fiber hybridization on mechanical properties, moisture resistance and erosive wear behavior, nine different hybrid epoxy composites having variable reinforcement proportions were fabricated. Mechanical properties including tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength were evaluated following standard ASTM testing procedures to find the optimal reinforcement arrangement. In the fabricated specimens, hybrid composite containing 20 wt% of treated hemp fiber and 6 wt% of basalt fiber possessed the best mechanical properties with higher values of tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength. Water absorption tests showed that the optimized hybrid composites absorbed water at a relatively low rate due to effective reduction of microvoids by hybrid filler. The results of solid particle erosion tests revealed that the composites having carbon and basalt fiber reinforcement exhibited relatively better resistance against erosive wear especially at lower impingement angles. Scanning electron microscopic investigations showed a homogenous distribution of fibers, improved fiber-matrix interfacial bonding and reduction of structural defects in hybrid composite specimens. It can be concluded from this investigation that hybridizing natural and synthetic reinforcements along with fillers significantly improves the performance of epoxy based hybrid composites.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":737,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Bulletin","volume":"83 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148838245","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tamarind seed xyloglucan: extraction technologies, structure–function relationships, and emerging applications in food, health and packaging systems","authors":"Prashant Anil Pawase,&nbsp;Uchenna Kalu Akpi,&nbsp;S. S. Vasanthkumar,&nbsp;Kashif Ameer,&nbsp;Omar Bashir,&nbsp;Fizza Saleem,&nbsp;Swasti Mudgal","doi":"10.1007/s00289-026-06657-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00289-026-06657-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Tamarind seed xyloglucan (TSX) is an underutilized, thermostable hemicellulosic polymer with remarkable functional and bioactive properties, attracting increasing research attention in recent years. This review presents a comprehensive overview of recent progress in sustainable extraction techniques, structure–function relationships, and versatile applications of TSX. Conventional and emerging extraction methods, such as hot water extraction, Soxhlet defatting, high-pressure processing, subcritical water extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, enzyme–ultrasound hybrid extraction, and irradiation techniques, are critically examined for their effects on yield, molecular weight, rheological behavior, solubility, and bioactivity. The polymer’s structural characteristics, including galactose-rich side chains, branching patterns, and molecular weight distribution, are discussed in relation to its shear-thinning, viscoelastic, gelling, emulsifying, and film-forming properties. Evidence from in-vitro and in-vivo studies demonstrates TSX’s prebiotic potential, production of short-chain fatty acids, anti-inflammatory activity, and metabolic benefits. Additionally, chemical and enzymatic modifications (such as OSA substitution and degalactosylation), along with composite formulations incorporating chitosan, proteins, and ZnO nanoparticles, have broadened its functional versatility. TSX shows promise as an ingredient for texture modification, cryoprotection, edible coatings, and targeted nutraceutical delivery. However, challenges remain regarding scalability, standardization, and regulatory validation. Future studies should emphasize green processing optimization, structure–function elucidation, and industrial translation to harness TSX’s potential as a sustainable functional biomaterial fully.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":737,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Bulletin","volume":"83 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148837640","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mechanical behavior of Caesalpinia Decapetala seed shell reinforced epoxy composites","authors":"Kiran Shahapurkar,&nbsp;Venkatesh Chenrayan,&nbsp;Kiran Madrahalli Chidanandamurthy,&nbsp;Vinayagam Mohanavel,&nbsp;Sathish Kannan,&nbsp;Vineet Tirth,&nbsp;Ali Algahtani,&nbsp;Thulasi Sankar,&nbsp;Manzoore Elahi M. Soudagar","doi":"10.1007/s00289-026-06645-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00289-026-06645-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Emphasizing the tensile, flexural, and impact characteristics, this work explores the viability of Caesalpinia Decapetala (CD) shell as a novel reinforcement in epoxy composites. Ethiopia has easily available CD, particularly in East and West Oromia near West Harar, which makes it a great choice for sustainable material development. The current effort focuses on extracting CD from plants and processing it into a fine powder of 75 micrometers following pulverization. CD was added to the epoxy matrix and mixed before being put into the mold at different weight percentages (10, 20, and 30%). The densities and void content of composites rose with the addition of CD, with the highest values recorded at 1350.4 kg/m³ and 2.13% for 30 wt%. The tensile test findings revealed a declining trend with the addition of CD, with values dropping from 36 MPa to 28 MPa, flexural from 64 MPa to 52 MPa, and impact from 16.5 to 13.85 J. The thermal research revealed a declining trend as the degradation temperature for 30 wt% composites dropped from 400^o to 390 °C.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":737,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Bulletin","volume":"83 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148837633","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}