Synthesis and characterization of cost-effective industrial discarded natural ceramic particulates from Cymbopogon flexuosus plant shoot for potential polymer/metal matrix reinforcement

Use of agricultural waste for biocomposite is one of the main concerns of researchers because the waste is an abundant, economic, and eco-friendly source. Agro wastes of Cymbopogon flexuosus plant shoot (CFPS) from an oil extraction industry was analyzed for its feasibility as reinforcement in a metal matrix composite and as a lignocellulosic filler in a polymer matrix composite. In this study, non-carbonized and carbonized CFPS wastes were characterized by using a combination of spectroscopic and chemical techniques. The carbonized CFPS is rich in SiO2 along with other traces of hard ceramic particles as authenticated by X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy. The presence of siloxane and silanol elemental groups was also confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy data. Similarly, Fourier transform infrared and the X-ray diffraction spectroscopy analysis on powdered non-carbonized CFPS waste confirmed the semi-crystalline nature of the CFPS with a higher crystallinity index. Moreover, the non-carbonized CFPS had a rough surface, as confirmed by atomic force microscope and scanning electron microscope analyses. Hence, the experimental data highlighted the feasibility of the CFPS waste as filler and a substitute for silica-based inorganic fillers/reinforcement for composites in enhancing its properties.

Automated summary

The research focuses on using agricultural waste like Cymbopogon flexuosus plant shoot as reinforcement in biocomposites due to its abundance and eco-friendly nature. Carbonized CFPS is rich in SiO2 and hard ceramic particles, making it a feasible reinforcement option. Non-carbonized CFPS, on the other hand, has a semi-crystalline nature and can serve as a filler or substitute for silica-based inorganic fillers.