Testing and Evaluation of Hybrid Polymer Composites Reinforced with Moringa oleifera and Boehmeria nivea Fibers, Embedded with Copper Oxide Particulates, for Thermal, Structural, and Biological Properties

Abstract

Abstract The increasing need for sustainable materials in industrial applications has prompted a significant shift in attention from synthetic to natural fibers. This study examines the problems and opportunities arising from the utilization of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites in several industrial sectors. The objective of this work is to fabricate a hybrid composite using a conventional hand layup technique with natural reinforcement of Moringa oleifera (MO) and ramie (Boehmeria nivea) fibers, an epoxy matrix blended with copper oxide filler, utilized to enhance material stability and antimicrobial activity. To quantify the effect of five different weight fractions of MO and ramie fibers on this hybrid composite, its mechanical, thermal, functional, and antifungal properties were examined. The superior tensile strength (61.34 MPa), flexural strength (64.78 MPa), and impact energy (23 J) results indicate that ramie fiber loading should be increased. Additionally, enhanced thermal properties such as thermal conductivity (0.93 W/mK), heat deflection temperature (97°C), thermal expansion coefficient (1.7210−5/°C), and maximal thermal stability were observed at 347°C as a result of the increased ramie fiber loading. This analysis demonstrates that this hybrid composite possesses the antifungal activity necessary to form an inhibition zone against Candida albicans. Scanning electron microscopy analysis was conducted to determine the hybrid composites’ bonding strength and failure mode.