In a significant stride towards sustainable construction materials, researchers have discovered a novel way to enhance the properties of polyester composites using treated tobacco stem particles. This innovation, led by Nasmi Herlina Sari from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Mataram, opens new avenues for eco-friendly materials in the automotive and construction industries.
The study, published in *Discover Materials* (which translates to *Temukan Material* in English), focuses on the development of sustainable polyester biocomposites reinforced with tobacco stem particles treated with sodium hydroxide. The treatment aims to improve the compatibility of these particles with the polyester matrix, ultimately enhancing the composite’s overall performance.
Sari and her team explored different concentrations of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment—2%, 5%, and 8%—to determine the optimal conditions for enhancing the properties of the composites. The biocomposites were fabricated with 30% tobacco stem particles by volume using a hot pressing method at 105°C and 75 Pa. The results were promising, with the 8% NaOH-treated composite showcasing superior tensile strength of 48.53 ± 2 MPa, a modulus of 2035.6 ± 77 MPa, and a density of 1.22 ± 1.5 g/cm³.
“The 8% NaOH-treated composite exhibited the best performance, indicating that higher concentrations of alkali treatment significantly enhance the mechanical properties of the biocomposites,” Sari explained. This improvement is attributed to better fiber-matrix bonding, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).
The enhanced properties of these biocomposites make them suitable for various applications, particularly in the automotive sector for interior components and semi-structural parts. The use of tobacco stem particles, a renewable and abundant resource, aligns with the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly materials in construction and manufacturing.
“This research not only highlights the potential of tobacco stem particles as a reinforcing agent but also paves the way for the development of other sustainable composites using agricultural waste,” Sari added. The findings could inspire further exploration into the use of natural fibers in composite materials, contributing to a more sustainable future for the construction and automotive industries.
As the world shifts towards greener and more sustainable practices, innovations like these are crucial. The research by Sari and her team demonstrates that eco-friendly materials can achieve high performance, making them viable alternatives to traditional composites. This breakthrough could shape future developments in the field, encouraging more researchers and industries to invest in sustainable materials and technologies.
With the publication of this study in *Discover Materials*, the scientific community now has a robust foundation to build upon, potentially leading to broader applications and further advancements in sustainable composite materials.