Corncob bio-waste and boron nitride particles reinforced epoxy-based composites for lightweight applications: fabrication and characterization.

In the present investigation, corncob waste obtained from local agricultural fields in conjunction with boron nitride particles has been used as the reinforcement material to fabricate epoxy–based composite. The purpose of this research work is to use bio-waste in composite fabrication due to its low cost, non-abrasive, and eco-friendly nature. Aim of this investigation is to provide effective measure for waste disposal and enhance the flexural and tensile strength of the epoxy-based composites to increase its application in day to day life. Fabricated composite material is been characterized through tensile strength, flexural strength, the water up-take test, and fire resistance test. Nine different laminates are prepared with different proportions of corncob and epoxy through the hand layup process. Natural fibers may play important role in developing bio-degradable composite to resolve the current ecological and environmental problems. This report shows that natural water reinforcement also possesses good mechanical properties, and then, fiber composite can also be used in various engineering applications. Results shows that 3.5/3.5 boron nitride and corncob ratio (wt./wt.) composition possess the best flexural strength of about 36.7 N/mm², and further characterization has been done only to this composition composite. 3.5/3.5 boron nitride and corncob ratio (wt./wt.) composite shows 2 to 3 times improvement in tensile strength as compared to the neat epoxy resin. Moreover, thermal decomposition of laminate occurs in three phases corresponding to 34%, 16%, and 27% of weight loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]