In a significant stride towards sustainable maritime materials, researchers have developed a novel composite using Acacia leucophloea bark fibers and lotus seed shell powder, offering a promising alternative to traditional synthetic polymers. The study, led by D.T. Arunkumar from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at JAIN (Deemed to be University) in Bangalore, India, was recently published in the journal ‘Results in Engineering’ (which translates to ‘Results in Engineering’).
The research addresses a critical gap in the maritime industry’s quest for eco-friendly materials with robust mechanical and thermal properties. The team fabricated composites using Acacia leucophloea bark fibers (ALF) reinforced with epoxy and lotus seed shell powder (LSSP) as a bio-filler. The fibers were treated with alkali, cut, and dried, while the LSSP was dispersed in the epoxy before casting. The resulting composites showed remarkable improvements in mechanical and thermal performance compared to pure epoxy.
“Compared to the control sample (pure epoxy), the optimized composite (A30L3) exhibited significant improvements with increases of 47.29 % in tensile strength (TS), 33.66 % in flexural strength (FS), 39.71 % in impact strength (IS) and 28.28 % in Shore D hardness,” Arunkumar explained. The thermal stability of the composites ranged from 235 to 445 °C, indicating a notable enhancement compared to unaltered natural fiber composites.
The integration of LSSP fillers markedly enhanced the mechanical and thermal performance of the composites. The optimized composite (A30L3) showed a 30.28% increase in thermal conductivity and a 35.49 decrease in the coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE), indicating enhanced thermal stability. The composites also demonstrated robust antibacterial characteristics, adding to their functional value.
For the maritime industry, these findings open up new avenues for sustainable and lightweight structural applications. The enhanced mechanical and thermal properties of these composites make them suitable for various maritime uses, from shipbuilding to offshore structures. The antibacterial properties could also be particularly beneficial in applications where hygiene is crucial, such as in marine vessels and offshore platforms.
The study’s novel approach of combining ALF and LSSP highlights the potential for developing sustainable, multifunctional composites. As the maritime industry continues to seek eco-friendly and high-performance materials, this research offers a promising solution. The robust antibacterial characteristics of the composites further enhance their functional value, making them a versatile choice for various maritime applications.
In the words of Arunkumar, “These composites demonstrated robust antibacterial characteristics, thereby improving functional value.” This research not only advances the field of sustainable materials but also provides practical solutions for the maritime industry’s evolving needs. The study’s findings were published in the journal ‘Results in Engineering’, underscoring its relevance and impact on the scientific community and industry professionals alike.