Life cycle assessment of Luffa‐reinforced epoxy composites: Untreated versus chemically treated fibers

Abstract

This research conducts a comprehensive cradle‐to‐gate life cycle assessment, comparing four distinct epoxy composites with each other and with the pure matrix. The composites investigated include epoxy resin reinforced with 25% and 50% untreated Luffa cylindrica fiber mats and 25% and 50% chemically treated Luffa cylindrica mats. The study defines the functional unit concerning the load at the fracture point and explores a real‐world scenario related to a potential industrial installation in southeastern Europe. The assessment utilizes 22 ReCiPe 2016 endpoint indicators to quantify impacts on human health, ecosystems, and resource availability. The findings indicate that the 50% chemically treated Luffa cylindrica‐reinforced epoxy has the least environmental impact, closely followed by the 50% untreated Luffa cylindrica. All four composites exhibit lower impacts than the pure epoxy resin. Notably, the 50% Luffa‐reinforced composites stand out as significantly environmentally favorable due to the substitution of fossil‐derived resin with natural fibers. This study underscores the potential of Luffa cylindrica as a promising and eco‐friendly reinforcement for epoxy composites.