Characterizing the mechanical behavior of eco-friendly hybrid polymer composites with jute and Sida cordifolia fibers

Introduction. Recognition of the medicinal properties of plants is an integral part of traditional Indian health systems such as Unani, Siddha, Naturopathy and Ayurveda. Among others, Sida cordifolia, a member of the Malvaceae family, is especially celebrated in Ayurvedic medicine for its outstanding chemical properties. This plant grows in the subtropical and tropical climate of India and symbolizes the global shift towards more environmentally friendly materials. Given the rising environmental concerns, there is an increased demand for biodegradable and renewable resources for industrial applications, especially for reinforcing polymer matrices with natural fibers. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of Sida cordifolia fibers combined with jute for reinforcing polylactic acid (PLA) composites. This highlights its potential to improve both environmental quality and mechanical properties of materials. Materials and method. The study involved the fabrication of four different composite specimens: : a solely 4-layered jute fiber mat, untreated Sida cordifolia fibers combined with a 4-layered jute mat, and Sida cordifolia fibers treated with benzoylation combined with a 4-layered jute mat. These composites were subjected to mechanical testing focusing on tensile strength and flexural strength. Its microstructural analysis was also carried out. Results and discussion. The results show that benzoylation-treated Sida cordifolia fibers exhibit significantly higher strength compared to its untreated counterparts. At the same time, an increase in the proportion of Sida cordifolia fibers in composites while maintaining a constant total mass correlates with an increase in the strength of the materials. These results indicate that Sida cordifolia and jute fiber-reinforced PLA composites can provide a competitive, environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fiber-reinforced composites in a variety of industrial applications. In conclusion, treated natural fibers like Sida cordifolia can significantly improve the mechanical properties of polymer composites, supporting its use as environmentally friendly, high-performance materials in a variety of industries. This research not only promotes the use of natural fibers for commercial applications, but also contributes to the larger goal of sustainable materials science.