Mechanical Characterization of Prosopis Juliflora Fibre-Reinforced Epoxy Composites for Sustainable Automotive Applications

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This is an unedited manuscript accepted for publication and provided as an Article in Press for early access at the author’s request. The article will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and galley proof review before final publication. Please be aware that errors may be identified during production that could affect the content. All legal disclaimers of the journal apply.

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

    Sivakumar Sambath,

  • Rajasekar Rajendran,

  • Sabarish Rajagopalan,

  1. Research Scholar, School of Mechanical Engineering, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  2. Associate Professor, School of Mechanical Engineering, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  3. Associate Professor, School of Mechanical Engineering, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

This study investigates the potential of Prosopis juliflora (PJ) fibre as an eco-friendly, economical, and mechanically efficient reinforcement for epoxy-based polymer composites. Composite samples were produced using the compression moulding technique with epoxy-to-fibre weight ratios of 90:10, 85:15, and 80:20. Mechanical tests, including tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness evaluations, were conducted in accordance with relevant ASTM standards. The incorporation of PJ fibre resulted in significant improvements in the mechanical behaviour of the composites. Flexural strength increased by about 18%, indicating enhanced stiffness and bending resistance. Impact strength displayed a notable rise of nearly 50%, demonstrating improved energy absorption under dynamic loading conditions. A 4.8% increase in hardness further confirmed better resistance to surface wear and indentation. Tensile strength showed a slight improvement of 2.8% at 10 wt% fibre loading; however, higher fibre contents (15 wt% and 20 wt%) led to a gradual decrease. This reduction is associated with weak matrix–fibre bonding and ineffective stress transfer at elevated reinforcement levels, causing interfacial debonding and fibre pull-out. Despite this decline in tensile performance at higher fibre fractions, the PJ fibre-reinforced composites exhibited notably better overall mechanical properties compared to neat epoxy. The results highlight Prosopis juliflora fibre as a promising natural reinforcement option for developing lightweight, sustainable epoxy composites suitable for automotive and other engineering applications focused on green and durable material solutions

Keywords: Epoxy composites, Prosopis juliflora, Natural fibre reinforcement, Mechanical properties, Automotive.

How to cite this article:
Sivakumar Sambath, Rajasekar Rajendran, Sabarish Rajagopalan. Mechanical Characterization of Prosopis Juliflora Fibre-Reinforced Epoxy Composites for Sustainable Automotive Applications. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):-.
How to cite this URL:
Sivakumar Sambath, Rajasekar Rajendran, Sabarish Rajagopalan. Mechanical Characterization of Prosopis Juliflora Fibre-Reinforced Epoxy Composites for Sustainable Automotive Applications. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=239008


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Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
01
Received 19/11/2025
Accepted 01/12/2025
Published 21/03/2026
Publication Time 122 Days
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