Improvement of physical, chemical, mechanical, and morphological properties of Luffa cylindrica fiber reinforcement composites using Java']Java seed filler

The purpose of this study was to analyze the physical, mechanical, water absorption, and morphological structure of the Luffa cylindrica fiber-reinforced composite. Composite specimens are fabricated by Luffa cylindrica fiber and Java seed filler as reinforcement in the epoxy matrix. The composite laminates were prepared by using the conventional compression molding technique by varying the Java seed filler percentage such as 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 wt%. The Luffa cylindrica fiber was treated with a 5% NaOH solution at room temperature to enhance the fiber's roughness through the elimination of hemicellulose, lignin, wax, and moisture content. The Java seeds were utilized as a filler in this experiment to enhance the composite's impact strength and bonding. The physical characteristics such as tensile, flexural, interlaminar shear strength, impact strength, and hardness were determined. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, and water absorption test were performed for the Luffa cylindrica fiber-reinforced epoxy matrix. The maximum tensile strength, flexural strength, interlaminar shear strength, impact strength, and water absorption rate of the composite with 6 wt% of Java seed filler are observed as 16.55 MPa, 43.49 MPa, 4.60 MPa, 11.67 KJ/m(2), and 6.21% respectively. The maximum hardness value of 94 is observed in the composite with 8 wt% of Java seed fillers. The findings revealed that the physical and morphological characteristics of Luffa cylindrica fiber composites are significantly influenced by the addition of Java seed fillers. Based on the research, the composites with Java filler as a reinforcement material can be suggested for lightweight components in automobile and aerospace applications.