Production and characterization of epoxy based biocomposites using pectin biopolymer derived from Passiflora edulis husk and areca fibre

Composites’ many desirable qualities—including low density, high rigidity, light
weight, and improved mechanical performance—have prompted much research into
composite manufacturing. Because of these qualities, composites have become the
material of choice in many other industries, such as the automotive, building, sports,
consumer goods, and engineering fields. Reinforcing epoxy-based composites with
30 vol. % areca nut fibre and pectin made from the husks of Passiflora edulis in
different volume percentages for filler. In order to enhance interfacial bonding, the
fibre and filler were surface modified before production with 3-Aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (3-APTMS), a silane coupling agent. The water absorption, mechanical,
fatigue, and creep tests were carried out in compliance with the applicable ASTM
standards. According to the results, composite produced with 30 vol. % of fibre and
3 vol.% of pectin outperformed in mechanical properties. Similarly, the same composite demonstrated improved fatigue resistance in terms of life counts. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the failure mechanisms verified the
efficient connection between the fibres and the matrix, as well as the uniform distribution of the filler. On the other hand, the RAP2 composite with 5 vol. % filler,
showed marginally higher water absorption (4.9%), and the highest hardness up to
92 Shore-D. Moreover the same composite outperformed in creep resistance with
a lowest strain rate of 0.0256 at 15,000 s. These positive outcomes by the addition
of pectin in the composite may lead high performance applications in automotives,
defence, infrastructure and sports.