Evaluating the performance of Voronoi design structure of weaver bird nests reinforced composite for potential applications

Abstract The quest for novel and sustainable fibres presents a significant challenge in researching composite materials. In this study, the viability of weaver bird nests has been investigated as a hybrid fibre source for composite production. Each nest has exhibited unique variations in fibre composition and structure, reflecting the availability of diverse fibres in their respective environments. These nests are meticulously integrated with an epoxy resin matrix to create composites (designated as N1, N2, and N3). Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, flexural strength, hardness, water absorbency, and low-impact resistance have been evaluated to assess the performance of hybrid fibre composite materials. Additionally, wear testing is conducted using a pin-on-disc machine with varying loads (20, 30 and 40 N) and a fixed radius of 50 mm. Interestingly, the nest collected from the village, comprising five different plant fibres, has demonstrated superior mechanical and tribological properties (N2) compared to other nest fibres. Conversely, the N1 and N3 composites have exhibited diminished mechanical performance, attributed to a limited variety of fibres and a looser braiding structure. These findings suggest that the natural Voronoi design of hybrid bundle fibres holds promise as a potential source for polymer composites. However, the study emphasizes the critical role of fibre selection and the potential benefits of exploring natural sources for advanced composite materials development. Furthermore, this research underscores the importance of sustainable fibre procurement and illustrates the potential of biomimicry in the research of composite materials.