Sustainable Development of Carbon–Sisal Reinforced Polyester Composites through Green Nanotechnology

Notice

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 | 02 | Page :
    By

    S Meena,

  • M Chittaranjan,

  • G Ashwin Prabhu,

  • Vijayan S,

  • R B Senthilrajan,

  • S Karthick,

  • Josan A,

  • Pavadharini S M,

  1. Associate Professor, Department of Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering, St. Joseph’s College of Engineering, Old Mahabalipuram Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  2. Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering & Technology, (AUTONOMOUS), Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, India
  3. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, St. Joseph’s College of Engineering, Old Mahabalipuram Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  4. Associate Professor, Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Velammal Institute of Technology, Ponneri, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  5. Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Sethu Institute of Technology, Pulloor, Kariapatti, Tamil Nadu, India
  6. Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, Pandian Saraswathi Yadav Engineering college, Arasanoor, Thirumansolai Post, Madurai-Sivagangai Highway, Sivagangai, Tamil Nadu, India
  7. UG Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, St. Joseph’s College of Engineering, Old Mahabalipuram Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  8. UG Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, St. Joseph’s College of Engineering, Old Mahabalipuram Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

This study presents the sustainable development of carbon–sisal fiber reinforced polyester composites enhanced through green nanotechnology for improved mechanical performance and environmental compatibility. The hybrid composites were fabricated using varying fiber ratios – C1 (70% carbon, 30% sisal), C2 (60% carbon, 40% sisal), and C3 (50% carbon, 50% sisal) – with an optimized addition of 1 wt.% nano-silica (SiO2) synthesized via a green sol–gel route. The tensile, flexural, and impact strengths were evaluated according to ASTM standards. Results revealed that the inclusion of nano-silica improved interfacial adhesion and load transfer between fibers and matrix. The C2 composition exhibited the best balance between strength and sustainability, achieving a tensile strength of 182 MPa, flexural strength of 242 MPa, and impact energy of 18.6 kJ/m², representing a 15–20% enhancement compared to non-nano counterparts. The hybridization of carbon (high stiffness) and sisal (biodegradable, renewable) fibers reduced composite density by 12%, contributing to lightweight and eco-efficient material performance. Overall, this work demonstrates that green nano-modified hybrid composites can serve as a sustainable alternative to conventional synthetic composites for automotive, aerospace, and structural applications, aligning with modern eco-design and circular economy principles.

Keywords: Carbon–Sisal Hybrid Composites, Green Nanotechnology, Nano-Silica Reinforcement, Sustainable Materials, Mechanical Properties, Polyester Resin.

How to cite this article:
S Meena, M Chittaranjan, G Ashwin Prabhu, Vijayan S, R B Senthilrajan, S Karthick, Josan A, Pavadharini S M. Sustainable Development of Carbon–Sisal Reinforced Polyester Composites through Green Nanotechnology. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(02):-.
How to cite this URL:
S Meena, M Chittaranjan, G Ashwin Prabhu, Vijayan S, R B Senthilrajan, S Karthick, Josan A, Pavadharini S M. Sustainable Development of Carbon–Sisal Reinforced Polyester Composites through Green Nanotechnology. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(02):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=240371


References

  1. Premnath, K., Arunprasath, K., Sanjeevi, R., Elilvanan, R., & Ramesh, M. (2024). Natural/synthetic fiber reinforced hybrid composites on their mechanical behaviors–a review. Interactions, 245(1), 111.
  2. Raja, T., & Devarajan, Y. (2024). A novel way of converting waste-enriched composites to lightweight, biodegradable resources: a property analysis. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 14(16), 19431-19441.
  3. Raja, T., Devarajan, Y., & Thanappan, S. (2023). Studies on the mechanical and thermal stability of Calotropis gigantea fibre-reinforced bran nano particulates epoxy composite. Scientific Reports, 13(1), 16291.
  4. Murugapoopathi, S., Ashwin Prabhu, G., Chandrasekar, G. et al. (2025). Fabrication and Characterisation of Saw Dust Polymer Composite. J. Inst. Eng. India Ser. D 106, 139–144.
  5. Mariappan, K., Nagarajan, V., Gurusamy, P., Ramanan, N., Raj, S. H. K., Baskar, S., … & Kumar, R. P. (2024). Comprehensive Mechanical, Thermal, and Interlaminar Characterisation of Basalt Fibre Composite Materials for Enhanced Structural Integrity. In Advances in Additive Manufacturing Technologies(pp. 497-502). CRC Press.
  6. Arumugam, S., Kandasamy, J., Sultan, M. T. H., Shah, A. U. M., & Safri, S. N. A. (2021). Investigations on fatigue analysis and biomimetic mineralization of glass fiber/sisal fiber/chitosan reinforced hybrid polymer sandwich composites. journal of materials research and technology, 10, 512-525.
  7. Rajaee, A., TQ, A. D., Pournoori, P., & Yousefi, M. (2023). Influence of different types of fiber on fracture strength of asphalt mixtures using scb specimens. In 5th international congress on civil, architecture, and urbanism in asia. Asia Kasem Bundit University. https://b2n. ir/qu5121.
  8. Natarajan, E. P., Rasu, K., Murugesan, V., & Gnanasekaran, A. P. (2025). Effect of basalt and kenaf fiber hybridization on the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of polymer composites. Materials Testing, 67(11), 1860-1869.
  9. Prabhu, G.A., Selvam, R. & Kumar, K.M. (2024). Enhancing the Mechanical Properties of Basalt Fiber and Stainless Steel Wire Mesh Composites Incorporating Fire Retardants Through Response Surface Methodology Optimization. Fibers Polym 25, 1443–1455.
  10. Bandera, D., Sapkota, J., Josset, S., Weder, C., Tingaut, P., Gao, X., … & Zimmermann, T. (2014). Influence of mechanical treatments on the properties of cellulose nanofibers isolated from microcrystalline cellulose. Reactive and Functional Polymers, 85, 134-141.
  11. Alamri, H., Low, I. M., & Alothman, Z. (2012). Mechanical, thermal and microstructural characteristics of cellulose fibre reinforced epoxy/organoclay nanocomposites. Composites Part B: Engineering, 43(7), 2762-2771.
  12. Bhandari, N. L., Bhandari, G., Bist, K., Adhikari, D., Dhakal, K. N., Adhikari, R., … & Poudel, M. B. (2024). Comparative investigation of fillers loading effect on morphological, micromechanical, and thermal properties of polyvinyl alcohol/cellulosicfillers-based composites. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 280, 136192.
  13. Prabhu, G.A., Tembhekar, T.D., Gopal, V. et al. (2025). Utilizing Machine Learning for Optimizing Composite Materials Derived from Leather Trimming and HDPE Waste. J. Inst. Eng. India Ser. D.
  14. Alshammari, B. A., Saba, N., Alotaibi, M. D., Alotibi, M. F., Jawaid, M., & Alothman, O. Y. (2019). Evaluation of mechanical, physical, and morphological properties of epoxy composites reinforced with different date palm fillers. Materials, 12(13), 2145.
  15. Dogu, B., & Kaynak, C. (2016). Behavior of polylactide/microcrystalline cellulose biocomposites: effects of filler content and interfacial compatibilization. Cellulose, 23(1), 611-622.
  16. Ferreira, F. V., Trindade, G. N., Lona, L. M. F., Bernardes, J. S., & Gouveia, R. F. (2019). LDPE-based composites reinforced with surface modified cellulose fibres: 3D morphological and morphometrical analyses to understand the improved mechanical performance. European Polymer Journal, 117, 105-113.
  17. Cataldi, A., Dorigato, A., Deflorian, F., & Pegoretti, A. (2014). Thermo-mechanical properties of innovative microcrystalline cellulose filled composites for art protection and restoration. Journal of materials science, 49(5), 2035-2044.
  18. Ashwin Prabhu, G., Selvam, R. & Kumar, K.M. (2025). Evaluating hybrid basalt and stainless-steel wire mesh laminated composites under low impact velocity tests for naval applications. J. Mater. Res. 40, 2169–2180.
  19. Aliotta, L., Gigante, V., Coltelli, M. B., Cinelli, P., & Lazzeri, A. (2019). Evaluation of mechanical and interfacial properties of bio-composites based on poly (lactic acid) with natural cellulose fibers. International journal of molecular sciences, 20(4), 960.
  20. Bourmaud, A., Morvan, C., Bouali, A., Placet, V., Perre, P., & Baley, C. (2013). Relationships between micro-fibrillar angle, mechanical properties and biochemical composition of flax fibers. Industrial Crops and Products, 44, 343-351.
  21. Ashwin Prabhu, G., Selvam, R., Tiwari, V. et al.(2025).Optimizing hybrid composites: Enhancing mechanical properties with SiC and Al2O3 nanoparticles using response surface methodology.  Mater. Res. 40, 2723–2734.
  22. Valášek, P., Müller, M., Šleger, V., Kolář, V., Hromasová, M., D’Amato, R., & Ruggiero, A. (2021). Influence of alkali treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of coir and abaca fibers. Materials, 14(10), 2636.
  23. Sanchez-Salvador, J. L., Campano, C., Lopez-Exposito, P., Tarres, Q., Mutje, P., Delgado-Aguilar, M., … & Blanco, A. (2021). Enhanced morphological characterization of cellulose nano/microfibers through image skeleton analysis. Nanomaterials, 11(8), 2077.
  24. Sangkeaw, P., Thongchom, C., Keawsawasvong, S., & Prasittisopin, L. (2025). Mechanical properties and microstructure of cellulose fiber-and synthetic fiber-reinforced high-strength concrete. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 50(3), 2149-2168.
  25. Jesus, L. C., Oliveira, J. M., Leao, R. M., Beltrami, L. R., Zattera, A. J., Anflor, C. T., … & Luz, S. M. (2022). Tensile behavior analysis combined with digital image correlation and mechanical and thermal properties of microfibrillated cellulose fiber/polylactic acid composites. Polymer Testing, 113, 107665.
  26. Khan, S. H., Rahman, M. Z., Haque, M. R., & Hoque, M. E. (2023). Characterization and comparative evaluation of structural, chemical, thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties of plant fibers. In Annual Plant: Sources of Fibres, Nanocellulose and Cellulosic Derivatives: Processing, Properties and Applications(pp. 1-45). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore.
  27. Wu, S., Zhang, J., Li, C., Wang, F., Shi, L., Tao, M., … & Chen, Y. (2021). Characterization of potential cellulose fiber from cattail fiber: a study on micro/nano structure and other properties. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 193, 27-37.
  28. Xu, X., Liu, F., Jiang, L., Zhu, J. Y., Haagenson, D., & Wiesenborn, D. P. (2013). Cellulose nanocrystals vs. cellulose nanofibrils: a comparative study on their microstructures and effects as polymer reinforcing agents. ACS applied materials & interfaces, 5(8), 2999-3009.
  29. Schiavon, J. Z., Borges, P. M., & de Oliveira Andrade, J. J. (2024). Physical-mechanical properties and microstructure changes in mortars with chemically treated coir fibers. Journal of Materials Research and Technology, 30, 4030-4043.
  30. Lazorenko, G., Kasprzhitskii, A., Yavna, V., Mischinenko, V., Kukharskii, A., Kruglikov, A., … & Yalovega, G. (2020). Effect of pre-treatment of flax tows on mechanical properties and microstructure of natural fiber reinforced geopolymer composites. Environmental Technology & Innovation, 20, 101105.
  31. He, M., Zhou, J., Zhang, H., Luo, Z., & Yao, J. (2015). Microcrystalline cellulose as reactive reinforcing fillers for epoxidized soybean oil polymer composites. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 132(36).
  32. Niu, G. B., Wang, D. P., Yang, Z. W., & Wang, Y. (2016). Microstructure and mechanical properties of Al2O3 ceramic and TiAl alloy joints brazed with Ag–Cu–Ti filler metal. Ceramics International, 42(6), 6924-6934.
  33. Nath, S., Jena, H., Priyanka, & Sahini, D. (2019). Analysis of mechanical properties of jute epoxy composite with cenosphere filler. Silicon, 11(2), 659-671.
  34. Al-Oqla, F. M., Hayajneh, M. T., & Al-Shrida, M. A. M. (2022). Mechanical performance, thermal stability and morphological analysis of date palm fiber reinforced polypropylene composites toward functional bio-products. Cellulose, 29(6), 3293-3309.
  35. Daoudi, H., Ait Benhamou, A., Moubarik, A., El Achaby, M., & Kassab, Z. (2025). Influence of morphological diversity of cellulose nanocrystals and nanospheres on nanocomposites with chitosan. Cellulose, 32(2), 941-964.
  36. Prabhu, G. A., Pattanashetty, G., Arun, K., Sivashanmugam, N., Prasad, C. R., Hemanandh, J., … & Gopiraj, R. R. (2025). Evaluating the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Basalt-Kenaf Polyester Composites with Cellulose Fillers. Journal of The Institution of Engineers (India): Series D, 1-16.
  37. Al-Mufti, S. M., Almontasser, A., & Rizvi, S. J. (2023). Unsaturated polyester resin filled with cementitious materials: a comprehensive study of filler loading impact on mechanical properties, microstructure, and water absorption. ACS omega, 8(23), 20389-20403.
  38. De Luca Bossa, F., Santillo, C., Verdolotti, L., Campaner, P., Minigher, A., Boggioni, L., … & Lama, G. C. (2020). Greener nanocomposite polyurethane foam based on sustainable polyol and natural fillers: Investigation of chemico-physical and mechanical properties. Materials, 13(1), 211.
  39. Kuan, H. T. N., Tan, M. Y., Shen, Y., & Yahya, M. Y. (2021). Mechanical properties of particulate organic natural filler-reinforced polymer composite: A review. Composites and Advanced Materials, 30, 26349833211007502.
  40. Gopal, V., Bharanidaran, R., Jesudass Thomas, S., & Ashwin Prabhu, G. (2026). Design, fabrication and performance evaluation of a 3D-printed microgripper based on compliant mechanisms for precision manipulation. Journal of Micro and Bio Robotics, 22(1), 1.
Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
02
Received 02/02/2026
Accepted 21/02/2026
Published 20/04/2026
Publication Time 77 Days
1

Login


My IP

PlumX Metrics