Session: Research Posters

Paper Number: 164839

Fabrication of Bagasse/vitrimer Composites With Self-Healing, Shape Memory, and Flame Retardant Properties 

As the search for more climate-neutral and sustainable materials widens, research into bio-based composites is needed to reduce reliance on synthetic resources. Conventional epoxy thermosets, while widely used, lack functionalities such as degradability, shape memory, and flame retardancy, limiting their wider application. These shortcomings contribute to environmental pollution, limit adaptability in dynamic applications, and pose safety risks. Therefore, this research is motivated by the need to develop high-performance, eco-friendly alternatives. This study aims to fabricate a multifunctional vitrimer composite reinforced with sugarcane bagasse fibers, leveraging the unique properties of vitrimers to address the limitations of traditional thermosets. This research advances the field of sustainable materials by demonstrating the feasibility of utilizing agricultural waste, specifically sugarcane bagasse, to create high-performance composites. This work contributes to the development of a closed-loop material cycle by upcycling bagasse, thereby reducing environmental impact. Furthermore, the incorporation of self-healing, shape memory, and flame-retardant functionalities into a single bio-based composite represents a significant advancement in material design, offering potential solutions for various engineering applications. Synthesis of the vitrimer matrix involved a mixture of diglycidyl 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylate (DCN) and branched polyethylenimine (PEI) in a non-stoichiometric ratio of 2:1. Sugarcane bagasse fibers, sourced as agricultural waste, were incorporated into the vitrimer matrix at varying weight percentages (5 wt%, 10 wt%, and 15 wt%). The composites are then tested for self-healing efficiency, shape memory behavior, and flame retardancy. Shape memory behavior was assessed through thermo-mechanical cycling, measuring the recovery ratio and fixing rate. Flame retardancy is assessed using UL-94 vertical burning tests.  The self-healing efficiency was evaluated by inducing controlled surface damage and comparing the recovery process and response of the impacted samples before and after healing. Mechanical properties, including compression strength and flexural modulus, were determined via compression and three-point bending tests. Thermal properties were evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Microstructural analysis was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine fiber dispersion and interfacial adhesion. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to confirm the chemical composition of the composite. Initial findings indicate that increasing fiber content enhances flame retardancy, which is due to formation of char from the characteristic flame-retardant properties of cellulose. However, fiber content may negatively impact mechanical performance. The vitrimer matrix exhibited self-healing and shape memory capabilities, demonstrating the potential for creating adaptable and durable materials. This research establishes the feasibility of developing lightweight, recyclable composites with multifunctional capabilities, offering sustainable solutions for the construction, automotive, and aerospace industries.  Future work will focus on optimizing fiber treatment and dispersion, as well as exploring advanced characterization techniques to further explain the structure-property relationships of these novel composites.

Presenting Author: Stephen Dobreh Southern University and A&M College

Presenting Author Biography: Stephen Dobreh is a first-year master's student in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Southern University and A&M College. He is currently working as a graduate research assistant. His expertise lies in polymer composites and materials characterization. His research focuses on the development of sustainable composite materials. He is currently investigating the use of agricultural waste for high-performance applications. In this study, he was responsible for the fabrication and characterization of the bagasse/vitrimer composites.

Authors:

Stephen Dobreh Southern University and A&M College
Patrick Mensah Southern University and A&M College
Maryam Jahan Southern University and A&M College