Characterization of Ficus benjamina L. Aerial Root Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composite

Abstract

The aerial root of Ficus benjamina L. was reinforced with polyester-based bio-composites that were fabricated using the manual lay-up cum compression method. The composite’s mechanical, thermal, and fractographical properties were investigated using tensile, hardness, impact, water absorption, thermo gravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy analysis. Mechanical behaviors of the composites are enhanced by up to 30% when the weight percentage of Ficus benjamina L. root fiber (FBRF) is utilized. A significant decrease occurs at these values as the fiber content rises. The composite’s hardness is proportional to the fiber loading. Thermo gravimetric anaylsis shows that FBRF addition raises the transition temperature, while pure composites lower it. The composites had an excellent water absorption property, compatible, and strong. Tensile fractograph exhibited homogeneous dispersion and increased fiber adherence at 30 wt. %. The findings show the potential of FBRF and their green composite applicability.