Kuncoro Diharjo, Femiana Gapsari, Andoko Andoko, Ming Narto Wijaya, Sanjay Mavinkere Rangappa, Suchart Siengchin
Natural fiber composites are not suitable for use in industries due to their flammability and low thermal resistance. Inorganic metal-based fillers are known to enhance the flammability and thermal resistance of composites, while the thermal and fire-retardant properties of organic fillers are not commonly known. This study evaluated the mechanical, thermal, and flammability properties of Ceiba petandra fiber (CPF)-reinforced composites, which were added with snail powder (SP). To study the thermal resistance of the composite, a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were applied. SP Filler concentration increased the composite's tensile strength and thermal resistance. DMA test results showed the same trend as the composite's density value. The flame rate parameters of the composite, including the percentage of char yield and the limitation index oxygen (LOI), rose as the SP filler increased. However, the flame rate of the composite dropped because SP filler inhibited the movement of oxygen, combustible gas, and polyester degradation products. The addition of organic fillers in natural fiber composites promises better flammability and thermal resistance. © 2024 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta, Indonesia; Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Brawijaya University, East Java, Malang, Indonesia; Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, State University of Malang, East Java, Malang, Indonesia; Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Brawijaya University, East Java, Malang, Indonesia; Natural Composites Research Group Lab, Department of Materials and Production Engineering, The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering (TGGS), King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), Bangkok, Thailand