Marine Algal Microfiber and Agro-Waste Reinforced Crosslinked Polymer Composites for Sustainable Coastal Materials

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 06 | Page : 210 223
    By

    Sravanthi Gudikandula,

  • R. Anandhakrishnan,

  • Jai Shanker Pillai H.P.,

  • M.P. Indumathi,

  • S. Parameswari,

  • Sivakumar S.,

  • Arun K.K.,

  • J Sharmila,

  • Zakir Hussain,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Institute of Aeronautical Engineering, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
  2. Associate Professor, Department of Biotechnology, V.S.B Engineering College, Karur, Tamil Nadu, India
  3. Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Komar University of Science and Technology, Sulaymainah, Kurdistan Region 46001, Iraq
  4. Assistant Professor, Department of Science and Humanities (Chemistry), R.M.K. College of Engineering and Technology, Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, India
  5. Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Velammal Institute of Technology, Panchetti, Tamil Nadu, India
  6. Professor, Department of Chemistry, Varuvan Vadivelan Institute of Technology, Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu, India
  7. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
  8. Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, St. Joseph’s College of Engineering, OMR, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  9. Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical Technology, Loyola Academy, Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Abstract

Crosslinked bio-polymer composites reinforced with marine algal microfibers and agro-waste fillers were fabricated and systematically characterized for sustainable coastal applications. Mechanical testing revealed that tensile strength increased from 18.5 MPa for neat polymer to 25.1 MPa at 20 wt.% reinforcement (~35% improvement), while the flexural modulus improved from 0.72 GPa to 1.02 GPa (~42% increase). Impact strength, however, decreased from 3.8 kJ/m² for neat polymer to 2.9 kJ/m² at 30 wt.% loading, reflecting reduced ductility. Thermal stability assessed by TGA indicated that onset degradation temperature improved from 247 °C (neat) to 272 °C at 20 wt.% reinforcement, with char yield increasing from 6.5% to 18.3%, confirming the barrier effect of silica-rich and lignin-based fillers. DMA analysis showed a ~40% increase in storage modulus and a glass transition temperature shift from 74 °C to 83 °C at 20 wt.%, demonstrating strong polymer–filler interactions. SEM micrographs confirmed uniform dispersion and strong interfacial bonding at 10–20 wt.% loadings, while agglomeration and fibre pull-outs were observed at 30 wt.%. Biodegradation studies revealed ~40% weight loss for neat polymer after 90 days, whereas composites reached 72.1% at 20 wt.% reinforcement, highlighting enhanced microbial-assisted degradation. Overall, the results establish that optimum reinforcement at 20 wt.% provides the best balance between mechanical performance, thermal stability, and biodegradability, making these composites promising candidates for eco-sustainable coastal applications.

Keywords: Crosslinked bio-polymer composites, Marine algal microfibers, Agro-waste fillers, Mechanical performance, Thermal stability.

[This article belongs to Journal of Polymer and Composites ]

How to cite this article:
Sravanthi Gudikandula, R. Anandhakrishnan, Jai Shanker Pillai H.P., M.P. Indumathi, S. Parameswari, Sivakumar S., Arun K.K., J Sharmila, Zakir Hussain. Marine Algal Microfiber and Agro-Waste Reinforced Crosslinked Polymer Composites for Sustainable Coastal Materials. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(06):210-223.
How to cite this URL:
Sravanthi Gudikandula, R. Anandhakrishnan, Jai Shanker Pillai H.P., M.P. Indumathi, S. Parameswari, Sivakumar S., Arun K.K., J Sharmila, Zakir Hussain. Marine Algal Microfiber and Agro-Waste Reinforced Crosslinked Polymer Composites for Sustainable Coastal Materials. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(06):210-223. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=232777


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Issue 06
Received 12/09/2025
Accepted 26/09/2025
Published 13/10/2025
Publication Time 31 Days
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