Characterization of Epoxy/ Palm Bundle Composite Materials: Experimental Approach

Natural fiber reinforced biocomposites are considered as alternative materials to synthetic fiber composites due to the increasing demand for sustainable materials. In this work, epoxy-based biocomposites reinforced with natural palm-bundle fibers were prepared using a standard molding method. The effect of fiber ply configuration on the composites’ mechanical, physical, chemical, and morphological characteristics was investegited. The moisture diffusion behavior was strongly affected by the soaking medium. The Bio-composites exhibited water absorption values of approximately 310–330% in seawater, while lower absorption levels were recorded in pure water. This lower moisture uptake in seawater is likely related with the presence of dissolved salts, which may alter osmotic pressure and impede water transport within the composite. Mechanical testing revealed that the inclusion of palm fibers improved tensile strength from 45.2 ± 2.1 MPa for the neat epoxy matrix to 62.8 ± 3.4 MPa for the three-ply composite, with a notable increase in stiffness, with elongation at break slightly reduced as a compromise in favor of increased rigidity, which can be further improved with surface treatments. The quantitative results confirm that palm bundle fibers are a promising reinforcement material for epoxy biocomposites with superior properties for creating durable and eco-friendly applications of materials.