A detailed evaluation of mechanical properties in newly developed cellulosic fiber: Cissus vitiginea L as a reinforcement for polymer composite

Due to their abundance of availability, environment friendliness, low cost, and biodegradability, natural fiber composites made from lignocellulosic fibers collected from wood and plants are gaining popularity. Natural biofiber-based composites are developed and investigated to explore their mechanical characteristics and to be proposed for various applications such as the automobile, aircraft, and household industries. In this work, Cissus vitiginea L. polymer composites (CVPC) were fabricated with 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt.% of Cissus vitiginea L fiber. The specimens were prepared using both untreated and alkali-treated Cissus virginia stem fibers (CVF). Mechanical characterization such as tensile properties, flexural properties, and impact properties, was evaluated as per the ASTM standard. Alkali treatment helped to enhance the bonding between the CVF and epoxy matrix medium, which resulted in higher tensile, flexural, and impact strength in the CVPC composites. From the scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis, it was observed that the alkali treatment helped to fill the small cracks, holes, and pores presented in the natural fiber composites, which in turn improved the mechanical properties of the fabricated composites. Tensile strength obtained in CVPC composites loaded with 20 wt. % treated CVF improved the tensile strength up to 11.70%, the flexural strength up to 14.04%, and the impact strength up to 2%. The results obtained for the present research work have evidenced that thermoset plastic green composites may be made using the treated Cissus vitiginea L stem fiber-reinforced composites.