Effect of sawdust fillers loaded on Cucumis sativus fiber-reinforced polymer composite: a novel composite for lightweight static application

This research investigates the impact of sawdust fillers on Cucumis sativus fiber-reinforced polymer composites through a conventional hand layup process. The objective is to develop a novel material suitable for static applications that is both lightweight and environmentally sustainable. A range of analytical techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, mechanical testing, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis were employed to thoroughly characterize the resulting composite material. By integrating Cucumis sativus fibers and sawdust fillers into a polymer matrix, the study demonstrates the potential to create materials with improved mechanical properties due to addition of sawdust filler, including tensile strength (27.61 MPa), flexural strength (32.84 MPa), impact resistance (14.7 J cm⁻²) and hardness (42). These enhancements, averaging at 16.2%, are attributed to the addition of sawdust filler, which opens new avenues for environmentally conscious engineering solutions. XRD analysis reveals the composite's crystalline structure, indicating a crystallinity index of 64.5% and the orientation of crystalline planes. FTIR spectroscopy identifies chemical bonding and CO and CO functional groups present in the material with major peaks at 2123 and 2438 cm⁻¹. TGA assesses the composite's thermal stability and decomposition behavior up to 380 °C. Additionally, SEM imaging elucidates the microstructural features and distribution of Cucumis sativus fibers and sawdust fillers within the epoxy matrix, while EDX analysis provides quantitative data on elemental composition. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.