Study on the effect of ZnO nanoparticles embedded ramie fiber reinforced epoxy matrix composite – A novel material for sustainable development

Abstract

This study explores the potential of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles as fillers in ramie fiber reinforced epoxy composites to develop materials that align with sustainable development goals. We systematically varied the ZnO nanoparticle content across three distinct samples are 5g, 10g, and 15g to investigate their effects on the mechanical and thermal properties of the composites. Mechanical testing included tensile, flexural, and impact strength assessments, while thermal stability was evaluated through thermal analysis. Additionally, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was employed to analyze the microstructural changes induced by varying nanoparticle concentrations. Preliminary results indicate that increasing the concentration of ZnO nanoparticles enhances both the thermal stability and mechanical strength of the composites, suggesting a reinforcing effect in the polymer matrix. The 15g sample displayed the most significant improvement in performance, confirming the potential of ZnO nanoparticles to create more durable and thermally stable materials.