Mechanical, water absorption and wear characteristics of novel polymeric composites: Impact of hybrid natural fibers and oil cake filler addition

A novel epoxy-based composites were fabricated by reinforcing pineapple/flax (PF) fibers and peanut oil cake (PCF) filler using the hand layup cum compression moulding technique and investigated its mechanical, water absorption and wear properties as a function of wt.% of PF fibers (20-40 wt.%) and PCF (1-3 wt.%). The XRD and FTIR results proved the presence of lignocellulosic nature in PCF. Mechanical test results showed significant enhancement in the properties after the addition of PCF. The maximum tensile, flexural and impact properties of 37. 89 MPa, 70.28 MPa and 96.99 J/m were observed in the composites having 20 wt.% of PF and 2 wt.% of PCF. Taguchi based optimization observed a lower specific wear rate (SWR) with 2 wt.% PCF/20 wt.% PF/5 N load and 1500 m sliding distance (SD) combination. The ANOVA results proved the significance of PCF, PF fiber, sliding distance, and load for SWR in this experimentation. The Taguchi optimized results observed a lower coefficient of friction (COF) in 2 wt.% PCF/20 wt.% PF/5N load/500 m SD combination. SEM results displayed surface deformations in the wear-tested composites.

Automated summary

A novel epoxy-based composite was fabricated by reinforcing pineapple/flax fibers and peanut oil cake filler. The mechanical properties of the composite were significantly improved after the addition of the filler. Taguchi optimization identified the optimal combination of parameters for lower specific wear rate (SWR) and coefficient of friction (COF).