Evaluation of epoxy and polyester resin composites with alkali-treated waste bagasse fibers for terrace coating applications

This study examines the mechanical, thermal, and microstructural properties of epoxy and polyester composites reinforced with 30% alkali-treated bagasse fibers, with the objective of evaluating their suitability for sustainable terrace coating applications. Comprehensive analyses, encompassing Flexural, Tensile, TGA, DTG, UV-Vis Spectroscopy, and FESEM-EDAX, were performed to assess the performance of the composites. The epoxy-based composite demonstrates superior tensile strength (39.46 MPa) and flexural strength (65.92 MPa) attributed to improved fiber-matrix adhesion, as shown by FESEM micrographs. The polyester-based composite exhibited superior thermal stability, as TGA/DTG results indicated a slightly higher onset temperature for decomposition, rendering it more appropriate for applications necessitating thermal resilience. UV-Vis analysis demonstrated that both composites display considerable UV absorption, with the polyester matrix offering a wider absorption band, thereby augmenting its capacity for UV protection. EDAX analysis validated the uniform distribution of bagasse fibers within the matrices, confirming the structural integrity and compatibility of the composites. According to these findings, the epoxy-bagasse composite is advisable for applications requiring superior mechanical strength, whereas the polyester composite may be preferable for situations emphasizing thermal stability and UV protection. Future research should explore supplementary natural fiber treatments or alternative resins to enhance composite performance for terrace coatings, aiding in the advancement of eco-friendly, high-performance materials for outdoor applications.