Prosopis juliflora biochar-based hybrid composites: Mechanical property assessment and development prospects
Sundarakannan Rajendran, Vigneshwaran Shanmugam, Shankar Sanjeevi, Yo-Lun Yang, M. Uthayakumar, Geetha Palani, V. Arumugaprabu, Herri Trilaksana
Abstract
This study investigates the incorporation of biochar derived from invasive Prosopis Juliflora wood as a filler in jute fibre-reinforced epoxy composites at varying weight fractions (5 %, 10 %, 15 %, and 20 % wt). Mechanical evaluations comprised tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness tests, in addition to water absorption assessments. The composite containing 10 % weight biochar exhibited superior performance compared to conventional composites, demonstrating a tensile strength of 49 MPa, a hardness of 79, and an impact strength of 63 J/m. A peak flexural strength of 90 MPa was observed at 15 % wt. Biochar. The findings indicate the potential of biochar sourced from Prosopis Juliflora for sustainable composite materials applicable in the aerospace, automotive, and construction industries. • The innovative use of biochar derived from the invasive Prosopis Juliflora species as a filler material in jute fiber-reinforced epoxy composites, with the goal of improving material properties for sustainable applications. • Introduced with good intentions to provide fuelwood and fodder in arid regions, Prosopis Juliflora has unfortunately become a highly invasive species. This research seeks to address both environmental and economic challenges posed by its spread by transforming the wood into valuable biochar, which can be used in composite material development. • The study investigates the effects of varying weight fractions (5 %, 10 %, 15 %, and 20 % wt.) of Prosopis Juliflora-derived biochar on the mechanical properties of jute fiber-epoxy composites, including tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness tests, as well as water absorption assessments. • These results demonstrate the feasibility of using Prosopis Juliflora-derived biochar in composite materials and highlight opportunities for sustainable material development. I believe this work could contribute to advancing the field of eco-friendly composites, with potential applications in various industries, including construction, automotive, and aerospace.