An Assessment of the Properties of Green Composites Utilizing a Variety of Bio‐Based Crosslinkers

Abstract

Bio‐based materials as crosslinkers for composites have gained attention for their nontoxic, cost‐effective benefits. Using eco‐friendly crosslinkers enhances the properties of the composites and promotes sustainable manufacturing practices too. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of citric acid (CA), itaconic acid (IA), and tannic acid (TA), derived from plant‐based sources, as crosslinkers in the creation of green composites. In this work, compression molding technique was employed for producing composites using coconut fiber as the reinforcing agent and methacrylic anhydride modified epoxidized linseed soybean oil (MAELSO) as the resin. The amount of crosslinkers was varied between 5, 10, and 15 (wt%) to achieve this. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy confirmed the successful modification of the resin. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed interactions between components of the composites. Biocomposites loaded with 5 wt% of CA showed 1268 and 92% increase in tensile strength and 1098 and 49% increase in flexural strength compared to those of similar wt% of TA‐ and IA‐based composites respectively. Similarly, the impact strength for CA‐based composite was 84.94 J/m against 168.74 J/m for IA and 330.85 J/m for TA‐based composites. Additionally, composites containing 5 wt% CA exhibited the highest levels of chemical resistance, flame retardancy, and thermal stability. Thus the results suggest that citric acid can serve as an effective crosslinker to fabricate environmentally acceptable composite materials that are suitable for long‐term use. This is noteworthy as it can pave the way for the production of sustainable and eco‐friendly materials, which can be used in various industrial and commercial applications.