Synthesis and Characterization of Mechanical Properties of Dammar Gum-Epoxy Bio-Composites with Areca Nut Husk and Banana Fiber as Reinforcements for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

This study explores the potential of agricultural waste fibers, specifically banana and areca nut husk, as sustainable reinforcements in epoxy-dammar gum composites. Composites with 80% epoxy and 20% dammar gum (Mat.1) achieved the highest tensile strength (24.23 MPa) and bending strength (13.12 MPa), while increased dammar content in Mat.2 (70% epoxy, 30% dammar gum) and Mat.3 (60% epoxy, 40% dammar gum) decreased performance. Among fiber-reinforced composites, Mat.B (64% epoxy, 16% dammar gum, 20% banana fiber, and 10% areca nut fiber) exhibited superior tensile strength (15.12 MPa) and bending strength (59.46 MPa), while Mat.A (64% epoxy, 16% dammar gum, and 10% each of banana and areca nut fibers) demonstrated notable compression strength (34.12 MPa). In contrast, Mat.C (48% epoxy, 12% dammar gum, 30% banana fiber, and 10% areca nut fiber) showed lower mechanical properties. Unlike previous studies, this work demonstrates how fine-tuning natural resin content and dual-fiber reinforcement can significantly optimize composite properties. This approach offers a novel pathway to developing eco-friendly composites with enhanced mechanical properties for diverse biomedical applications.

Keywords

• Areca nut husk
• Banana fiber
• Dammar gum
• Epoxy
• Mechanical properties