Isolation and characterization of banyan tree root filler for polymer composites in light-weight applications

Abstract

The applicability of bio fillers as reinforcement with polymers is promoted by economic and ecological concerns. Nowadays, a large range of reinforcements are employed for this purpose, including cellulosic fillers and natural fibres owing to the favorable mechanical behavior, cheap price, negligible tool wear, low density, and eco-friendliness etc. The motive of this investigation is to explore the possibilities of utilizing plant sources as reinforcing filler in polymeric matrices. In this study particulate fillers were obtained from banyan tree’s aerial roots and were subjected to various characterization such as physiochemical evaluation, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis (TGA), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). From the physiochemical analysis it was found that the banyan tree aerial root filler (BTAR) contained 40.13% of Cellulose, 15.22% of Hemicellulose, 15.31% of Lignin and 6.86% of Pectin. The density of the BTAR filler was found to be 0.27 gm cc ^−1 whereas the average particle size was 136.3 μ m. The maximum inflection temperature referred to the maximum degradation of the BTAR filler was 295.7 °C. The SEM analysis exposed the rough surface of filler, with micro-structured strands and pores. The rough surface and the pores could help in better bond ability of the matrix and reinforcement when combined. Given the features of the examined BTAR filler, it is suggested as potential reinforcing filler for polymer composites to strengthen material properties for different light weight applications.

Keywords

• natural filler
• physio-chemical analysis
• XRD
• thermal analysis
• FTIR