Improved strength, modulus and tolerable ductility of ortho-phthalic polyester biocomposites reinforced with keratinous bio-resource

This paper presents the effect of varying wt% of randomly oriented bovine hair fibres on the microstructural, tensile and flexural properties of unsaturated polyester biocomposites. The fibres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy while the biocomposites were characterized by Biaxial Tensile Test, Three-Point Bending Test and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Empirical regression models were also developed for rapid prediction of selected tensile and flexural properties of the biocomposites. It was found that carbon is the principal element in bovine hair fibre and specific wt% of the fibre is suitable and efficient in delivering a biocomposite with optimum combination of the investigated properties. There also exist great correlations at 95% analysis of variance confidence level between experimental and predicted results. In comparison with the monolithic polymer, superlative enhancements of 1084.05, 595.39, 88.91 and 539.26% in tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength and flexural modulus, respectively, were evinced by the biocomposites. The strains to fracture of the biocomposites were also comparable to that of the monolithic polymer; however, it decreases with increasing fibre wt% in the matrix. The developed materials are expected to find suitable applications as exterior prosthetics, dashboards/bumpers of cars, interior furniture of leisure boats, gratings and sanitary wares.