Evaluating the effect of discarded tube light particle filler on the mechanical performance of epoxy/novel crown root fiber bio-composites

Abstract

This study examines the mechanical performance of epoxy bio-composites reinforced with crown root fiber (CRF) and embedded with waste tube light particles (WTP) using a Taguchi L27 orthogonal design. The composites were fabricated by compression molding with varying fiber length (20, 35, 50 mm), fiber content (40, 50, 60 wt.%), and filler content (3, 6, 9 wt.%). Mechanical characteristics were assessed in accordance with ASTM standards, and regression models combined with analysis of variance (ANOVA) were applied to analyse parameter significance. The results revealed that flexural strength attained a maximum of 38 MPa under the optimized reinforcing conditions, while tensile strength, impact strength peaked at 32.5 MPa and 47.5 J/m, respectively for fiber length of 35 mm, fiber weight fraction of 50 wt% and filler content of 6 wt.%. The study demonstrates the potential of integrating e-waste fillers and agricultural residues into epoxy composites, thereby improving mechanical performance while contributing to sustainable and eco-friendly materials development for structural applications. The developed composites are useful for low-load structural components, car interiors, construction panels, packing, and other lightweight structural applications. They can also be used as economical material solutions by substituting waste materials for traditional fillers.