| dc.description.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 | en_US |
