In the quest for sustainable and high-performance materials, a team of researchers from the University of Rajshahi in Bangladesh has made a notable advancement. Led by SHUVO Asnaf Nihan from the Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, the team has fabricated a hybrid composite using aluminum powder and sugarcane bagasse as reinforcements, with polypropylene serving as the matrix. Their findings, published in the ‘European Journal of Materials Science and Engineering’ (which translates to ‘Europäische Zeitschrift für Materialwissenschaft und Ingenieurwesen’), offer intriguing insights into the potential of such composites, particularly for the energy sector.
The research focused on varying the percentage of reinforcements (10-40 wt.%) to investigate changes in mechanical properties. Using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM) for tensile and impact strength tests, and Optical Microscopy (OM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for morphological analysis, the team discovered that while the hybrid composite (PP-Al-Bagasse) exhibited lower mechanical strength than virgin polypropylene, a 30% reinforcement ratio yielded the best results. “Although the mechanical properties decreased compared to pure polypropylene, the hybrid composite with 30 weight percent of reinforcement showed comparatively higher values than other percentages,” Nihan explained.
The implications for the energy sector are significant. Sugarcane bagasse, a byproduct of sugar production, is abundant and often underutilized. By incorporating it into hybrid composites, industries could potentially reduce waste and lower production costs. Moreover, the use of aluminum as a reinforcement adds to the composite’s strength and durability, making it a viable option for various applications, including energy infrastructure.
“This research opens up new avenues for utilizing agricultural waste in high-value applications,” Nihan noted. “It’s a step towards sustainability and circular economy practices, which are crucial for the energy sector’s future.”
The study’s findings suggest that while the hybrid composite may not surpass the mechanical properties of virgin polypropylene, its eco-friendly nature and potential cost-effectiveness make it a compelling alternative. As the energy sector continues to seek sustainable solutions, such innovations could play a pivotal role in shaping future developments.
The research published in the ‘European Journal of Materials Science and Engineering’ underscores the importance of exploring hybrid composites for their environmental and economic benefits. As industries strive for sustainability, the integration of materials like sugarcane bagasse and aluminum could pave the way for a greener and more efficient future.