Journal of Fibers and Polymer Composites
Vol. 5 No. 3 (2026): Journal of Fibers and Polymer Composites

Effect of Hybrid Castor Nutshell/Pineapple Leaf Fiber Loading on Creep Behavior of Epoxy Composites

Anselm Ogah Ogah (Nnamdi Azikiwe University)
Melford Onyemaechi Chima (Michael Okpara University of Agriculture)
Uche Ibeneme Ibeneme (Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST))
Ukeme James Timothy (Nnamdi Azikiwe University)
Uju Pauline Ojukwu (Nnamdi Azikiwe University)
Ferriawan Yudhanto (Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Oct 2026

Abstract

Epoxy composites can undergo time-dependent deformation under sustained loading, limiting their dimensional stability, while agricultural residues offer potential as sustainable reinforcements. This study evaluated the effect of hybrid castor nutshell (CNS) and pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) powder loading on the displacement response and fracture-surface morphology of epoxy composites. CNS and PALF powders (75 µm) were combined at a 50:50 weight ratio and incorporated at total loadings of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20wt%. The composites were fabricated by hand lay-up and evaluated using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA)in three-point-bending mode at 100°C; scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the tested specimens. The neat epoxy reached a displacement of approximately −103µm. The reinforced formulations showed loading-dependent responses, with reported later-stage displacements of approximately −63, −78 and −65µm for the 10, 15 and 20wt% composites, respectively; the 5wt% specimen showed a distinct change to approximately +12µm. SEM indicated the most homogeneous dispersion and lowest measured void and agglomerated areas in the 5wt% composite, whereas the 15wt% composite showed the greatest agglomeration and void content. These results indicate that hybrid CNS/PALF loading and dispersion influence the measured deformation response. However, because the study reports displacement rather than a normalized creep strain or compliance, and is limited to one temperature and a short test, further standardized creep testing is needed before drawing conclusions about long-term performance.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jfpc

Publisher

Subject

Materials Science & Nanotechnology

Description

Journal of Fibers and Polymer Composites is the international engineering and scientific journal serving the fields of fibers and polymer composites including processing methods and techniques, new trends and economic aspects, and applications. Journal of Fibers and Polymer Composites is unique ...