Enhancing the performance of natural fiber composites: Integrating Walikukun fiber and aluminum filler in epoxy matrices

This study investigates the development of Walikukun fiber (WF)-reinforced epoxy composites by systematically incorporating both fiber treatments and aluminum filler to address the dual challenges of improving mechanical properties and reducing water absorption. Specifically, WF was pre-treated with alkali (NaOH) and subsequently coated with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) prior to integration into an epoxy matrix, while aluminum filler was added to further enhance performance. Comprehensive mechanical characterization revealed that tensile strength increased from 94.73 MPa for untreated fibers to 124.37 MPa for NaOH- and PVA-coated composites, and bending strength improved from 131.73 to 164.37 MPa. The water absorption rate of the composites decreased from 4.77 % to 4.05 % when the fibers were PVA-coated. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis demonstrated a higher storage modulus of up to 2595.09 MPa for composites containing aluminum filler, indicating improved stiffness. By introducing WF as a novel reinforcement and employing an integrated fiber treatment and filler approach, this work offers a pathway to producing high-performance, sustainable composite materials suitable for various industrial applications.