Experimental Study on Mechanical and Tribological Characterization of Arecanut Shell Fibre Reinforced Composites with MWCNT Nanofillers

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Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | 01 | Page :
    By

    Srikanth H V,

  • Santhosh N,

  • Praveena B A,

  • Rajadurai M,

  • Ramvishal G,

  1. Professor, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Yelahanka, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
  2. Associate Professor and Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, MVJ College of Engineering, Whitefield, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
  3. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Yelahanka, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
  4. Associate Professor, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Yelahanka, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
  5. Assistant Professor, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Yelahanka, Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Natural fiber-reinforced composites (NFRCs) are emerging as sustainable alternatives to conventional synthetic composites due to their eco-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and favorable mechanical properties. This study evaluates the mechanical and tribological performance of Areca Nutshell Fiber (ANSF)-reinforced epoxy composites with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as nanofillers. The composites were fabricated using the vacuum bag molding technique, maintaining uniform fiber dispersion and reducing voids. Tensile tests were conducted to assess the tensile strength, modulus and % elongation, while the Flexural tests were conducted to assess the flexural strength, modulus and maximum displacement. The pin-on-disc tribological tests examined wear behavior under varying loads, sliding speeds, and lubrication conditions. The results reveal that incorporating ANSF (30 wt. %) into the epoxy matrix enhances tensile strength to 32.5 MPa, flexural strength to 55.7 MPa, and impact resistance to 3.8 kJ/m². The addition of 1.5 wt. % MWCNTs further improves Young’s modulus (2.1 GPa) and flexural modulus (3.4 GPa) by enhancing load-bearing capacity. Tribological tests indicate a 30% reduction in wear rate and a 25% decrease in the coefficient of friction (COF) under oil-based lubrication compared to dry conditions. These findings highlight the potential of ANSF-MWCNT epoxy composites for applications requiring high strength, durability, and wear resistance, making them suitable for automotive, aerospace, and biomedical industries.

Keywords: Areca nutshell fibre, multi walled carbon nanotubes, nanofillers, epoxy, composites, mechanical, tribological, characteristics.

How to cite this article:
Srikanth H V, Santhosh N, Praveena B A, Rajadurai M, Ramvishal G. Experimental Study on Mechanical and Tribological Characterization of Arecanut Shell Fibre Reinforced Composites with MWCNT Nanofillers. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2025; 14(01):-.
How to cite this URL:
Srikanth H V, Santhosh N, Praveena B A, Rajadurai M, Ramvishal G. Experimental Study on Mechanical and Tribological Characterization of Arecanut Shell Fibre Reinforced Composites with MWCNT Nanofillers. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2025; 14(01):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=235501


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Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
01
Received 17/04/2025
Accepted 16/06/2025
Published 31/12/2025
Publication Time 258 Days
43

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