Development of novel sustainable biocomposite from polycaprolactone and Sesbania rostrata fiber

Abstract

AbstractAn efficient method to accelerate the use of polymer composites is to focus on their development as environmentally friendly materials that can naturally break down without causing any harm to the ecosystem. Hence, the primary aim of this study is to develop a biocomposite material through the fusion of Sesbania rostrata (SRF) bark fibers and the polycaprolactone (PCL) biopolymer. Various percentages (10, 15, 20, and 25 wt.%) of untreated and sodium bicarbonate‐treated SRF were incorporated into polycaprolactone to create the biocomposite samples. The composite panels were made using the compressing molding technique. Several tests were performed on the samples, such as mechanical, thermal, water absorption, wear, and morphological tests. Research has demonstrated that the strength of biocomposites composed of 20% chemically treated SRF and PCL is superior to that of other mixed materials. The thermal properties of the biocomposite remained unchanged when untreated fibers were included, but they improved when treated fibers were included. Higher water absorption properties are attributed to an increased fiber volume fraction in the biocomposites, while chemically treated fibers exhibit a notable improvement in water resistance. The wear test results indicate that the weight loss of the biocomposites is mainly influenced by the contact temperature and adhesion between the SRF surface and the PCL matrix. When examining the fractured biocomposites with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), it becomes evident that the primary reasons for failure are fiber pull‐out, debonding, and agglomeration.Highlights SR Natural fiber is chemically treated by eco‐friendly sodium bicarbonate. The treated SRF‐reinforced composites had best mechanical property. The treated SRF‐reinforced composites showed less water absorption. The composite mechanical and thermal properties had dropdown at 25 wt.% SRF. The addition of SRF reduced the weight loss of composites on wear test.