Development of novel sustainable biocomposite from polycaprolactone and Sesbania rostrata fiber

Abstract The best way to accelerate the application of polymer composites is by making them an environmentally friendly material that can degrade naturally without harming the environment. Hence, this work focuses on the development of biocomposite by reinforcing bark fibers of Sesbania rostrata (SRF) with polycaprolactone (PCL) biopolymer. Composite samples were fabricated by reinforcing untreated SRF and sodium bicarbonate-treated SRF to PCL at different weight proportions of 10, 15, 20, and 25%. The compressing moulding technique was used to develop the test specimens, and samples were subjected to mechanical, thermal, water absorption, wear, and morphological tests. Biocomposites made of 20 wt.% of chemically treated SRF with PCL yield better mechanical strength than other combinations. The thermal properties of biocomposite were not affected by the inclusion of untreated fibers and were improved by the inclusion of treated fibers. An increased fiber volume fraction in the biocomposites accounts for higher water absorption properties, whereas chemically treated fibers show a significant increase in water resistance. Wear test results expose that the weight loss of the biocomposites is mainly dependent on the contact temperature and adhesion between the SRF surface and the PCL matrix. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis of the fractured biocomposites reveals that failure occurs primarily due to fiber pull-out, debonding, and agglomeration.