Effect of Kigelia pinnata biochar inclusion on mechanical and thermal properties of curtain climber fiber reinforced epoxide biocomposites

This article explored the influence of curtain climber fiber and Biochar derived from Kigelia pinnata fruit fiber on a polyepoxide-based composite material's thermal, mechanical, dielectric, and mechanical properties. Before commencing the composite production process, the surface of the curtain climber fiber underwent treatment with a solution consisting of 5% silane to enhance the bonding between the fiber and the matrix. The hand layup method and compression molding were used to produce the composite panels and tested according to the appropriate standards set by the ASTM. According to these findings, the mechanical properties of the composites were enhanced by adding 30% curtain climber fiber and 5% biochar. The load distribution on the fiber was consistent throughout. The composite's highest strength (EFB3) was 183 MPa, its modulus was 5.9 GPa, and its flexural strength and modulus were 216 MPa and 6.1 GPa, respectively. The impact intensity is 8 J, and the hardness value is 95 on the Shore D scale. In addition, the EFB3 had a maximum interlaminar shear strength of 35 MPa. According to the findings of the SEM surface analysis, the matrix molecules exhibit adhesion to the fiber, which indicates increased bonding. The thermal conductivity and dielectric properties were high for composite with higher biochar particle content. These waste biomass-converted fruit fiber biochar and curtain climber industrial crop fiber epoxide composite materials may be utilized in a variety of sectors, including aerospace, automotive, household domestic product manufacturing, and defense sectors. Highlights: Extraction and silane treatment of curtain climber fiber. Producing biochar from waste biomass Kigelia pinnata fiber. Fabrication of polyepoxide composite. Siloxane layer improves the strength. Biochar improves the properties of composites.