Dynamic mechanical, ballistic and tribological behavior of luffa aegyptiaca fiber reinforced coco husk biochar epoxy composite

Abstract

In the current work, light weight epoxy bio-composites are created for low-cost technological applications using luffa aegyptiaca fiber and biochar particles derived from coco husk (CHB). This study aims to evaluate the effects of CHB particles added at different concentrations (3 vol% and 5 vol%) on the dynamic mechanical, ballistic and tribology behavior of epoxy composites constructed from luffa aegyptiaca fiber with different fiber loading (20%, 30% and 40 vol%). The composites are prepared using hand layup process provided with post curing operation. The combination of 3 vol% CHB particles and 40 vol% luffa aegyptiaca fiber having the improved viscoelastic properties by means of high storage modulus (5.05 GPa) and low loss factor (0.31). Moreover, this composite shows better ballistic properties in terms of low velocity impact energy (17.1 J). The optical image of impact damage behavior shows minimum damage of impactor on the composite and penetration effect found to be lower. This luffa aegyptiaca fiber reinforced epoxy composite also shows the lowest value of coefficient of friction (COF) with 0.48 and the lowest specific wear rate of 0.011 mm³/Nm. These epoxy composites made from luffa aegyptiaca fiber and CHB particles may be useful in a variety of engineering applications that can use materials for manufacture sporting goods, home furnishings, food packaging, and transportation.