This study focuses on the production of chitin from waste sea urchin testa and its subsequent application as reinforcement in pineapple fibre-vinyl ester composites. The production process involved the adoption of the hand layup technique and subsequent characterization techniques. According to the study, higher chitin content enhances dynamic behaviour, creep resistance and flame resistance. The Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) reveals improved mechanical responses to varying chitin concentrations in composite C4 with 6.2 GPa of storage modulus and 0.58 of tan delta. Moreover the creep test, showcasing time-dependent deformation, highlights C4’s exceptional resistance over 10,000 s with a lowest strain of 0.06. However, the composites demonstrate unique fire-resistant properties in the flammability test too. The composite C4 reported a lowest propagation speed and a fire rating of V-0. This research offers significant insights into chitin production from sea urchin testa and its efficient reinforcing action in pineapple fibre-vinyl ester composites. Also this study proved that the composites made using eco-friendly reinforcements are sustainable and efficient. These properties improved composites could be used in low load application areas where the environmental factors are concern.
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