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<p>This study investigates the effect of alkali-modified <i>Tectona grandis</i> flower stalk fiber (40 vol%) reinforcement combined with two bio-derived fillers biochar and biosilica obtained from <i>Casuarina</i> cone axis on the mechanical, tribological, and water absorption behavior of polyester composites. The incorporation of treated fiber significantly enhances the baseline polyester properties, while filler addition further tailors performance depending on type and loading. Biosilica-filled composites consistently outperform biochar-filled systems due to higher intrinsic stiffness, greater surface reactivity, and improved matrix–fiber interfacial bonding. Among all compositions, BS3 (3 vol% biosilica) exhibits optimal mechanical performance, achieving a tensile strength of 121&#xa0;MPa, compressive strength of 142&#xa0;MPa, and flexural strength of 159.36&#xa0;MPa, corresponding to percentage increases of 504.17%, 373.33%, and 298.40%, respectively, compared to neat polyester. Similarly, impact energy (2.95&#xa0;J) and hardness (81 Shore-D) show increases of 73.53% and 47.27%, respectively, indicating enhanced energy absorption and surface resistance due to uniform filler dispersion and strong interfacial adhesion. In contrast, BS5 (5 vol% biosilica) demonstrates superior tribological and moisture-related performance, recording the lowest specific wear rate of 0.0224&#xa0;mm³/Nm and coefficient of friction of 0.267, corresponding to a reduction in wear rate of 39.46% compared to the unfilled composite. Although BS5 shows the highest water absorption of 8.27%, the behavior remains stable due to the formation of a dense filler network that promotes controlled capillary pathways while improving abrasion resistance. SEM analysis supports these findings, revealing significant fiber pull-out and voids in unfilled composites, moderate dispersion in biochar systems, and strong matrix-fiber-filler interlocking with minimal defects in biosilica-filled composites, particularly BS3. Overall, biosilica-reinforced composites especially BS3 for mechanical performance and BS5 for tribological applications demonstrate substantial property enhancement and strong potential for advanced sustainable composite engineering applications.</p>

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Load bearing behavior on modified Tectona grandis stalk fiber and Casuarina cone biosilica reinforced polyester composite

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月19日

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  • Murugesan Palaniappan,
  • Sivasubramanian Palanisamy,
  • Thulasimani Murugesan

摘要

This study investigates the effect of alkali-modified Tectona grandis flower stalk fiber (40 vol%) reinforcement combined with two bio-derived fillers biochar and biosilica obtained from Casuarina cone axis on the mechanical, tribological, and water absorption behavior of polyester composites. The incorporation of treated fiber significantly enhances the baseline polyester properties, while filler addition further tailors performance depending on type and loading. Biosilica-filled composites consistently outperform biochar-filled systems due to higher intrinsic stiffness, greater surface reactivity, and improved matrix–fiber interfacial bonding. Among all compositions, BS3 (3 vol% biosilica) exhibits optimal mechanical performance, achieving a tensile strength of 121 MPa, compressive strength of 142 MPa, and flexural strength of 159.36 MPa, corresponding to percentage increases of 504.17%, 373.33%, and 298.40%, respectively, compared to neat polyester. Similarly, impact energy (2.95 J) and hardness (81 Shore-D) show increases of 73.53% and 47.27%, respectively, indicating enhanced energy absorption and surface resistance due to uniform filler dispersion and strong interfacial adhesion. In contrast, BS5 (5 vol% biosilica) demonstrates superior tribological and moisture-related performance, recording the lowest specific wear rate of 0.0224 mm³/Nm and coefficient of friction of 0.267, corresponding to a reduction in wear rate of 39.46% compared to the unfilled composite. Although BS5 shows the highest water absorption of 8.27%, the behavior remains stable due to the formation of a dense filler network that promotes controlled capillary pathways while improving abrasion resistance. SEM analysis supports these findings, revealing significant fiber pull-out and voids in unfilled composites, moderate dispersion in biochar systems, and strong matrix-fiber-filler interlocking with minimal defects in biosilica-filled composites, particularly BS3. Overall, biosilica-reinforced composites especially BS3 for mechanical performance and BS5 for tribological applications demonstrate substantial property enhancement and strong potential for advanced sustainable composite engineering applications.