Investigation of Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Novel Hybrid Composites Based on Areca Nut Shell and Pineapple Leaf Powder Reinforced Vinyl Ester Matrix

Renewability, cheap cost, and sustainability have recently made eco-friendly materials popular. As a result, both academic and industrial fields are paying great attention to seeking bio-based filler materials for the creation of composites.  The study is intended to investigate the utilisation of solid biomass waste in the hybrid form of Areca Nut Shell Powder (ASP) and Pineapple Leaf Powder (PLP) as fillers in vinyl ester-based composites. This process has been investigated for the first time using the hand lay-up technique.  These filler substances are agricultural by-products that can be obtained from renewable sources at a low cost.  Their mechanical and thermal properties were assessed for hybrid fillers included in the matrix at filler contents from 0 to 20 wt.%.  Usually, adding hybrid fillers improved mechanical properties but had a small effect on thermal ones.  The hybrid filler-reinforced composites showed notable increases in flexural, impact, and Shore D hardness characteristics in comparison to the neat vinyl ester resin, with improvements of 1.53 times, 1.66 times, and 1.35 times, respectively, at 16 wt.% filler loading, while the tensile strength displayed a steady decline.  Using TGA and HDT techniques, thermal stability was evaluated, revealing an HDT value as high as 112°C.  Given the results, these hybrid filler-reinforced composites could be appropriate for use in sectors including transportation and building, where moderately tough and thermally stable composites are required and where cost is a major concern.