Mechanical, morphological, and tribological behavior ofEulaliopsis binatafiber epoxy composites

This study is aimed at the potential use of a new natural fiber in polymer based composites (Eulaliopsis binatafiber) as a reinforcing material whose potential for tribological applications is still an unexposed area of research. The characterization studies of the fiber has been carried out with XRD, EDS, and Scanning electron microscope (SEM). Different weight percentages (10, 20, 30, and 40%) of short fiber were taken as reinforcement with epoxy polymer resin and hardener to study the tensile, flexural, and impact strength as well as the abrasive wear behavior of the developed composites. The experimental results indicate significant improvement in the mechanical and wear properties of epoxy with the incorporation ofEulaliopsis binata(EB) fiber. The composites containing 30 and 20 weight fraction ofEulaliopsis binatafiber exhibit optimum mechanical properties and abrasion resistance, respectively. The fractured and worn surfaces of the composites were studied under SEM to find out the failure mechanisms.

Automated summary

This study explores the potential use of Eulaliopsis binata fiber as a reinforcing material in polymer-based composites, showing significant improvement in mechanical properties and wear resistance. Composites with 30% and 20% weight fraction of the fiber exhibit optimal performance. The study investigates failure mechanisms through SEM analysis of fractured and worn surfaces.