Influence of natural fillers on physico-mechanical properties of luffa cylindrica/polyester composites

Development of the Polymer based Composites with natural fibers and natural fillers as a sustainable alternative material for some engineering applications, especially in automobile and aerospace applications are being investigated. Natural fiber composites such as bagasse, jute, sisal, hemp, coir and luffa polymer composites appear more attractive due to their higher specific strength, lightweight, low cost and biodegradability. This paper describes the fabrication and physical, mechanical, three body abrasive wear and water absorption behaviour of luffa-fibre reinforced polyester composites with and without addition of natural fillers of ground nut shell, rice husk and wood powder. The addition of natural fillers has enhanced greatly the physical and mechanical properties of luffa-fibre based composites. The addition of natural fillers has influenced the physico-mechanical properties of luffa-fibre based polyester composites in descending order of ground nut shell, rice husk, and wood powder. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.