Extraction of Lignin from Fluorescent Perianths of Jack Fruit and it’s Mechanical, Wear, Creep and Flammability Behaviour of Abaca-Polyester Composites

This study investigates the mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of abaca-polyester composites made using lignin from fluorescent perianths of jack fruit. The primary scope of this research is to study the viability of producing lignin from waste jack fruit fluorescent perianths and how it influence the mechanical, wear, creep and flammability properties of abaca-polyester composite. The lignin biopolymer was extracted via thermo-chemical method and composites were prepared using hand layup method. The produced composites were evaluated based on American society of testing and materials (ASTM) standards and the results revealed significant improvements in tensile and flexural strength. The addition of abaca fiber and 3.0 vol% of lignin in PA2 composite shows the highest tensile strength, while the PA3 at 5.0 vol% of lignin shows slight shortfall due to clustering of particle. However the PA3 outperform in impact strength, hardness, and wear resistance. The Flammability test reveals effective self-extinguishing properties for PA3 exhibiting superior performance due to lignin’s char-forming capabilities. Moreover, creep and TGA analysis demonstrated that the incorporation of abaca fiber and lignin of 5 vol% contributed to reduced creep strain and mass loss at initial, middle and final stages. SEM analysis confirms the effective interaction of lignin particle with resin matrix and ensured effective toughening. The study concludes the optimization potential of abaca-polyester composites, with 3.0% lignin identified as an optimal concentration for balanced improvements across various properties, providing valuable insights for composite material design and applications.