Sustainable composite materials for UAVs: An analysis of Morinda citrifolia and Tamarindus indica bio-fibres

Sustainable composite materials for UAVs: An analysis of Morinda citrifolia and Tamarindus indica bio-fibres M. Vinothkumar Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9926-5280 B. Kirubadurai Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4448-8784 R. Jaganraj Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India G. Jegadeeswari Saveetha Engineering College, Chennai, India R. Pugazhenthi Vels Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies, Chennai, India G. Manikandan Sri Rangapoopathi College of Engineering, Tamil Nadu, India Abstract

Nowadays, aligned with the national mission, the growth of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) application is enormous. This research work investigates the probability of adding epoxy resin with novel biofibres such as Tamarindus indica and Morinda citrifolia to fabricate a composite material. A sustainable outcome is delivered by adopting Tamarindus indica and Morinda citrifolia fibres in UAV frame materials, which combine increased mechanical strength and durability with good environmental conditions. Based on the mechanical test outcomes, the Tamarindus indica composite (ETI) indicates significant compressive strength with an optimum load-carrying capacity of 5.98 kN and notable tensile strength is a maximum of 8.13 MPa, therefore Tamarindus indica composite plate can be used in rigid or definite-shaped applications due to its high resistance to deformation. The Morinda citrifolia composite (ETC) indicated high flexibility rate due to carrying a flexural load (0.15 KN), so it can be used as a dampening or cushioning material to absorb the vibrational energy. These two novel biodegradable composite materials possess a lower density and a higher strength-to-weight ratio, which are important properties for decreasing power consumption and improving the UAV's endurance. We investigated the chemical and morphological characteristics of the novel composites using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). These novel biomaterials significantly reduce vibrations from UAV propellers and metal corrosion. Based on the research outcomes, using novel bio composites increases the mechanical strength and lifespan of UAVs and it also reduces their weight and power consumption.
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