Investigation on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Water Hyacinth Petiole Mat-Reinforced Epoxy-Based Composites

Natural fiber composite (NFC) is popular as alternatives to synthetic ones. This shift reflects a growing interest in sustainable and eco-friendly options such as water hyacinth, which is scientifically known as Eichhornia crassipes. In this study, the plant was explored as a potential reinforcement material in epoxy-based composites. The fabrication relied on a solution casting method, mixing epoxy, and hardener in a 3:1 ratio where woven mats were treated in NaOH, while others consisted of unidirectional strips and powdered versions. The physical properties such as tensile strength, flexural strength, hardness, and water absorption of as synthesized NFC was evaluated through ASTM guidelines. The findings showed that the NaOH-treated woven composites performed the best overall. It is noted that the as synthesized NFC exhibited tensile and flexural strength of 10.11 MPa and 12.48 MPa, respectively, with Shore D hardness of 75. Water absorption remained low at just 3.02% over seven days whereas untreated woven mats yielded comparative physical properties. Furthermore, unidirectional strips and powdered fibers exhibited partly due to poor stress transfer and high moisture uptake compared to treated woven mats. It is noted that this study is unique due to skipping the usual fiber extraction steps, instead, whole petioles were used in various setups. This study showed the alkali-treated petioles from water hyacinth have real potential which could lead to low-cost composites.