Investigations on antifungal, dynamical, and thermal stability of Millettia pinnata fiber reinforced sawdust particulates thermoset polymer composite

Utilizing of natural fibers reinforcement, and sawdust particulates blended in epoxy matrix to fabricate the composite material by hand layup process. This research aims to explore the potential of eco-friendly materials in enhancing the functional properties of polymer composites. Antifungal tests revealed a significant resistance of the composite to fungal growth, attributable to the inherent antifungal compounds in Millettia pinnata fibers (MPF) and certain woods from which the sawdust was derived. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was conducted to assess the material’s storage and loss moduli, as well as its damping capabilities (tan delta). The results indicated an improvement in mechanical stiffness and energy dissipation characteristics compared to the base polymer, demonstrating the reinforcing effect of the natural fibers and particulates. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was employed to evaluate the thermal decomposition and stability of the composite. The composite exhibited enhanced thermal resistance, characterized by higher degradation temperatures and a stable residual mass, suggesting its suitability for applications in thermally challenging environments. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provided detailed insights into the microstructure of the composite.