Hybrid effect of neem seed and groundnut shell bio-fillers on the mechanical, water absorption and thermal properties of jute fiber reinforced epoxy composites

Natural composites possess good qualities like light weight, harmlessness, cheapness and ease of processing. However, their performance is limited compared to conventional material. Hence, it is required to improve the performance of natural composites to extend their usage in various industrial applications. In this research, an attempt has been made to improve the performance of epoxy-jute natural composite using different natural fillers made of neem seed and groundnut shell particles. Initially, the epoxy-jute composite [N:G (0:0)] was prepared and the properties of the composite were investigated. Additionally, natural-fillers were incorporated into the N:G (0:0) composite, and a variety of composites were produced. These included N:G (1:0), N:G (3:1), N:G (1:1), N:G (1:3), and N:G (0:1), with the weight fractions of neem and groundnut shell particles adjusted accordingly. The properties of the aforementioned composites were compared with the properties of N:G (0:0) composite. Results revealed that the particle reinforced composite exhibited significant improvement in the properties of the composites. Moreover, in comparison to the other composites, the N:G (0:1) composite exhibited superior tensile strength (43.28 MPa), flexural strength (46.08 MPa), impact resistance (13.93 kJ m-2), and hardness (24.7 HV). This could be due to the fibrous structure of groundnut shell compared to neem seed which was fragile in nature. Furthermore, the same composite displayed less water absorption (2.8 % at 6 days time period). Moreover, the N:G (1:0) composite exhibited the least thermal conductivity (0.31 W m-1 K-1). Based on results, it was concluded that the bio-fillers such as neem seed and groundnut shell particles assisted improvement the properties of epoxy-jute composite.