Assessment of Dimensional Stability, Biodegradability, and Fracture Energy of Bio-Composites Reinforced with Novel Pine Cone

Abstract

In this investigation, biodegradable composites were fabricated with polycaprolactone (PCL) matrix reinforced with pine cone powder (15%, 30%, and 45% by weight) and compatibilized with graphite powder (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% by weight) in polycaprolactone matrix by compression molding technique. The samples were prepared as per ASTM standard and tested for dimensional stability, biodegradability, and fracture energy with scanning electron micrographs. Water-absorption and thickness-swelling were performed to examine the dimensional stability and tests were performed at 23 °C and 50% humidity. Results revealed that the composites with 15 wt % of pine cone powder (PCP) have shown higher dimensional stability as compared to other composites. Bio-composites containing 15–45 wt % of PCP with low graphite content have shown higher disintegration rate than neat PCL. Fracture energy for crack initiation in bio-composites was increased by 68% with 30% PCP. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the composites have shown evenly-distributed PCP particles throughout PCL-matrix at significantly high-degrees or quantities of reinforcing.

Effect of Marble Dust on the Mechanical, Morphological, and Wear Performance of Basalt Fibre-Reinforced Epoxy Composites for Structural Applications

“…The increase in the flexural strength was because of the shear behaviour WMP provided in the composite. Upon loading the specimen, the particles of WMP deformed in the lateral direction and transferred the shear forces to the basalt fibre, which led to more considerable deformation in the lateral direction, which consequently increased the load applied and delayed the time of fracture [ 4 , 5 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 ].…”

“…This happened due to the high load bearing capability of both basalt and WMP. WMP acted as a connecting chain between the basalt fibre and epoxy resin promoting transfer of stress, which led to high deformation before fracture [ 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 ]. Moreover, large amount of dislocation formation due to the inclusion of WMP in the composite resulted in higher energy absorption.…”

Comparative Analysis of Erosive Wear Behaviour of Epoxy, Polyester and Vinyl Esters Based Thermosetting Polymer Composites for Human Prosthetic Applications Using Taguchi Design

“…Investigators had already focused primarily on biocomposites, which are constituted of naturally or synthetic resins derived from the natural fibre-reinforcements. Natural fibres have significant upsides as they are a light-density material which tends to produce comparatively light-weight composites with slightly elevated unique characteristics [ 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 ]. Such filaments now provide substantial savings, efficient use of resources, and processability, and seems to be a profoundly renewable energy source, aiding to curtail dependence on international as well as household petroleum products.…”

Impact of Process Variables of Acetone Vapor Jet Drilling on Surface Roughness and Circularity of 3D-Printed ABS Parts: Fabrication and Studies on Thermal, Morphological, and Chemical Characterizations

“…SEM analysis, also known as scanning electron microscopy, is a method of image magnification to carry out the analysis of any material. This analysis provides data on the failures, deformations, and damages that crept in the material during various machining processes [ 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 ]. Operations such as turning, milling, and drilling carried out on a material damages the surface and internal structure, which is analyzed with SEM analysis.…”