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<p>While natural fibre composites are gaining traction as sustainable materials, there remains a critical gap in correlating specific microstructural modifications of Agave americana fibres—particularly those from semi-arid regions—with high-end mechanical enhancements. To address this and establish a quantitative baseline for their industrial use, this study systematically evaluates the structural and mechanical capabilities of epoxy composites reinforced with these fibres, providing a direct comparison between untreated fibres and those chemically treated with a precisely controlled 5% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution. Fibres extracted from mature Agave americana leaves were processed and categorised as either untreated or NaOH-treated. Both fibre types were incorporated into epoxy resin by utilizing the hand lay-up fabrication method. The effect of the treatment was analysed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The composites were tested for tensile and flexural strength, resistance to impact, interlaminar shear strength, and surface hardness, with all procedures conducted according to ASTM standards to guarantee reliability and consistency. Results show that NaOH-treated fibres deliver significant improvements in all assessed properties compared to untreated fibres. The use of sodium hydroxide removes impurities and incompatible surface materials, resulting in fibres that bond better with the epoxy matrix and create composites with fewer voids and stronger interfaces. This better adhesion enables more efficient transfer of mechanical loads and reduces the likelihood of premature failure. Specifically, the targeted surface modification translated to an 80% increase in tensile strength (from 19.2 to 34.5&#xa0;MPa), a 60% improvement in flexural strength, a 15.5% enhancement in interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), and a 63% surge in impact resistance. Surface hardness also increased by 22% in the treated samples, highlighting the composite’s superior energy dissipation and wear resistance. The study concludes that NaOH-treated Agave americana fibres are a strong candidate for use as eco-friendly, sustainable reinforcements in polymer composites. Their improved performance and environmental advantages make them suitable for advanced applications in sectors such as automotive engineering, building construction, and other industries seeking alternatives to traditional synthetic materials.</p>

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Development and mechanical characterization of sustainable Agave americana fiber reinforced epoxy composites through chemical treatment

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月12日

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  • Hareesha M.,
  • Yashas Gowda T. G.,
  • Hemaraju B. C ,
  • Priya H. C.,
  • Methil Vivek Shankar,
  • Chandrakant R. Kini

摘要

While natural fibre composites are gaining traction as sustainable materials, there remains a critical gap in correlating specific microstructural modifications of Agave americana fibres—particularly those from semi-arid regions—with high-end mechanical enhancements. To address this and establish a quantitative baseline for their industrial use, this study systematically evaluates the structural and mechanical capabilities of epoxy composites reinforced with these fibres, providing a direct comparison between untreated fibres and those chemically treated with a precisely controlled 5% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution. Fibres extracted from mature Agave americana leaves were processed and categorised as either untreated or NaOH-treated. Both fibre types were incorporated into epoxy resin by utilizing the hand lay-up fabrication method. The effect of the treatment was analysed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The composites were tested for tensile and flexural strength, resistance to impact, interlaminar shear strength, and surface hardness, with all procedures conducted according to ASTM standards to guarantee reliability and consistency. Results show that NaOH-treated fibres deliver significant improvements in all assessed properties compared to untreated fibres. The use of sodium hydroxide removes impurities and incompatible surface materials, resulting in fibres that bond better with the epoxy matrix and create composites with fewer voids and stronger interfaces. This better adhesion enables more efficient transfer of mechanical loads and reduces the likelihood of premature failure. Specifically, the targeted surface modification translated to an 80% increase in tensile strength (from 19.2 to 34.5 MPa), a 60% improvement in flexural strength, a 15.5% enhancement in interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), and a 63% surge in impact resistance. Surface hardness also increased by 22% in the treated samples, highlighting the composite’s superior energy dissipation and wear resistance. The study concludes that NaOH-treated Agave americana fibres are a strong candidate for use as eco-friendly, sustainable reinforcements in polymer composites. Their improved performance and environmental advantages make them suitable for advanced applications in sectors such as automotive engineering, building construction, and other industries seeking alternatives to traditional synthetic materials.