Sustainable hybrid composites of Cordia dichotoma fiber and nano-SiC for enhanced structural, thermal, and antimicrobial applications
摘要
This research introduces a sustainable hybrid composite comprising 20 wt% Cordia dichotoma fiber and nano-sized Silicon Carbide (SiC) fillers, varying from 1 to 5 wt%, reinforced with epoxy matrix. The composite seeks to meet the increasing demand for lightweight, thermally stable, and antibacterial materials. Among the synthesized samples, the composites with 4 wt% SiC (S4) exhibited superior performance, displaying tensile strength (TS) and flexural strengths (FS) of 124 ± 2.4 MPa and 301 ± 4.5 MPa, respectively, along with an impact strength (IS) of 14.2 ± 0.32 kJ/m2. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated a degradation beginning temperature of 260 °C, with 50% residual mass remaining at 400 °C. The heat deflection temperature (HDT) attained 105 °C, with thermal conductivity (TC) and coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) reduced to 0.17 ± 3.89 W/m K and 4.15 × 10−5/°C, respectively. The antibacterial efficacy against Klebsiella proteus and Escherichia coli exhibited inhibition zones of 23 mm and 22 mm, respectively, equivalent to standard antibiotics. Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray Diffraction validated uniform dispersion and improved interfacial bonding. The incorporation of C. dichotoma fiber agricultural waste and nano-SiC in a regulated proportion presents a viable method for creating environmentally sustainable composites for structural, automotive, and sanitary packaging applications.