This study focuses on developing and characterizing eco-friendly jute-reinforced composites using natural Mesquite gum (Prosopis juliflora) and Plaster of Paris (POP) as the matrix material. Composites with varying POP content (20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) were evaluated for mechanical and structural properties, including tensile, flexural, and impact performance. G60P40 (60% Mesquite gum, 40% POP) emerged as the optimal composition, achieving the highest tensile strength (17.13 MPa) and flexural strength (18.67 MPa), along with a high flexural modulus (10.49 MPa) and tensile modulus (1.39 MPa). This composition also demonstrated exceptional energy absorption with a flexural toughness of 100.67 J/m3 and near-maximum tensile toughness of 121.07 J/m3, reflecting its balanced stiffness and resilience. G80P20 (80% Mesquite gum, 20% POP) exhibited the highest impact strength, absorbing 22 J of energy, making it suitable for applications requiring high toughness. Microstructural analysis through FTIR and SEM confirmed enhanced fibre-matrix bonding in G60P40, minimizing voids and improving load transfer efficiency. This research highlights the potential of Mesquite gum-based composites as sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials, offering a pathway toward eco-friendly structural and engineering applications.
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