Development and characterization of an epoxy matrix composite reinforced with Al2O3 embedded banyan fibers for secondary structural applications

The demand for sustainable, high-performance composites is increasing in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and construction. However, conventional fiber-reinforced polymer composites suffer from environmental limitations, poor bioactivity, and fatigue susceptibility. This study develops a no...

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Main Authors: Baskar S, Ganesan Subbiah, Padma Priya G, Guntaj J, Mukesh Kumar, Kamakshi Priya K, Nandagopal Kaliappan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-06-01
Series:Results in Engineering
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590123025016573
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author Baskar S
Ganesan Subbiah
Padma Priya G
Guntaj J
Mukesh Kumar
Kamakshi Priya K
Nandagopal Kaliappan
author_facet Baskar S
Ganesan Subbiah
Padma Priya G
Guntaj J
Mukesh Kumar
Kamakshi Priya K
Nandagopal Kaliappan
author_sort Baskar S
collection DOAJ
description The demand for sustainable, high-performance composites is increasing in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and construction. However, conventional fiber-reinforced polymer composites suffer from environmental limitations, poor bioactivity, and fatigue susceptibility. This study develops a novel epoxy matrix composite reinforced with 3 % (12 g) Al₂O₃ embedded banyan fibers to enhance mechanical strength and bioactivity. Experimental analysis demonstrates notable improvements in the sample with 12 g Al₂O₃, tensile strength (67.49 MPa), flexural strength (69.38 MPa), impact energy (19.47 kJ/m²), and Shore D hardness (47). Fatigue testing confirms durability, withstanding 40 MPa stress for 14,000 cycles due to improved fiber-matrix bonding and uniform filler dispersion. Scanning Electron Microscopy validates structural integrity, while antibacterial assessments show a 12 mm inhibition zone against Streptococcus pyogenes and significant biofilm reduction via Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy. These findings highlight the composite’s potential for applications requiring mechanical durability and bioactivity, including medical devices and bioactive environments.
format Article
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institution OA Journals
issn 2590-1230
language English
publishDate 2025-06-01
publisher Elsevier
record_format Article
series Results in Engineering
spelling doaj-art-1196dbf9901b4ee892800bc0fb589ca12025-08-20T02:05:08ZengElsevierResults in Engineering2590-12302025-06-012610558710.1016/j.rineng.2025.105587Development and characterization of an epoxy matrix composite reinforced with Al2O3 embedded banyan fibers for secondary structural applicationsBaskar S0Ganesan Subbiah1Padma Priya G2Guntaj J3Mukesh Kumar4Kamakshi Priya K5Nandagopal Kaliappan6Department of Automobile Engineering, Vels Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies, Chennai - 600 117, Tamil Nadu, IndiaDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Sathyabama (Deemed to be University), Chennai, Karnataka, IndiaDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Jain (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, Karnataka, IndiaCentre for Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara Institute of Engineering and Technology, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, IndiaDeaprtment of Mechanical Engineering, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, IndiaDepartment of Physics, Saveetha School of Engineering, SIMATS, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, IndiaDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Haramaya Institute of Technology, Haramaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia; Corresponding author.The demand for sustainable, high-performance composites is increasing in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and construction. However, conventional fiber-reinforced polymer composites suffer from environmental limitations, poor bioactivity, and fatigue susceptibility. This study develops a novel epoxy matrix composite reinforced with 3 % (12 g) Al₂O₃ embedded banyan fibers to enhance mechanical strength and bioactivity. Experimental analysis demonstrates notable improvements in the sample with 12 g Al₂O₃, tensile strength (67.49 MPa), flexural strength (69.38 MPa), impact energy (19.47 kJ/m²), and Shore D hardness (47). Fatigue testing confirms durability, withstanding 40 MPa stress for 14,000 cycles due to improved fiber-matrix bonding and uniform filler dispersion. Scanning Electron Microscopy validates structural integrity, while antibacterial assessments show a 12 mm inhibition zone against Streptococcus pyogenes and significant biofilm reduction via Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy. These findings highlight the composite’s potential for applications requiring mechanical durability and bioactivity, including medical devices and bioactive environments.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590123025016573NanoparticlesSustainable developmentNatural fiberCeramic particlesStructural analysisSurface morphology
spellingShingle Baskar S
Ganesan Subbiah
Padma Priya G
Guntaj J
Mukesh Kumar
Kamakshi Priya K
Nandagopal Kaliappan
Development and characterization of an epoxy matrix composite reinforced with Al2O3 embedded banyan fibers for secondary structural applications
Results in Engineering
Nanoparticles
Sustainable development
Natural fiber
Ceramic particles
Structural analysis
Surface morphology
title Development and characterization of an epoxy matrix composite reinforced with Al2O3 embedded banyan fibers for secondary structural applications
title_full Development and characterization of an epoxy matrix composite reinforced with Al2O3 embedded banyan fibers for secondary structural applications
title_fullStr Development and characterization of an epoxy matrix composite reinforced with Al2O3 embedded banyan fibers for secondary structural applications
title_full_unstemmed Development and characterization of an epoxy matrix composite reinforced with Al2O3 embedded banyan fibers for secondary structural applications
title_short Development and characterization of an epoxy matrix composite reinforced with Al2O3 embedded banyan fibers for secondary structural applications
title_sort development and characterization of an epoxy matrix composite reinforced with al2o3 embedded banyan fibers for secondary structural applications
topic Nanoparticles
Sustainable development
Natural fiber
Ceramic particles
Structural analysis
Surface morphology
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590123025016573
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