CONSTRUCTION AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF SUSTAINABLE COMPOSITE MATERIALS FROM AGRICULTURAL WASTE

Abstract

This study focuses on the development of an eco-friendly composite material using agricultural waste fibers for potential use in engineering applications. The main objective is to produce a lightweight, sustainable, and durable composite that can partially or fully replace conventional metallic Engineering components. Agricultural waste materials such as coconut coir, and sugarcane bagasse fibers were selected as reinforcements in an epoxy resin matrix. The composites were fabricated using the hand lay-up method, followed by compression molding. Various mechanical tests — including tensile, hardness, and compressive strength — were performed according to ASTM standards to evaluate the performance of the developed materials. The results revealed that the hybrid composite reinforced with 50% coconut coir 20% bagasse fibers demonstrated the best mechanical performance, with a tensile strength of 56 MPa, compressive strength of 92 MPa, and hardness of 74 Shore D. Compared to traditional polymer composites, the developed material exhibited improved stiffness and thermal stability while maintaining biodegradability. This project demonstrates that agricultural waste can serve as a viable raw material for producing eco-friendly and cost-effective composites, particularly suited for non critical Engineering parts such as Automotive and Transport Applications, Machine Covers and Enclosures, Industrial Flooring and Panels, Thermal and Acoustic Insulation Components, Bicycle and Light Mobility Parts. The research contributes to sustainable materials development and circular economy initiatives within mechanical engineering. Keywords: Agricultural Waste, Eco-Friendly Composite, Coconut Coir, bagasse fibers Epoxy Resin, Engineering applications