Investigation of mechanical properties of jute epoxy composite with fruit waste (Citrullus vulgaris peel) filler for automotive applications

In the current investigation, the mechanical behavior of watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris) peel nano debris (described as a fruit filler) with different weight composition (0 wt. %, 1 wt. %, 2 wt. %, 2.5 wt. %, 5 wt. %, 7.5 wt. % and 10 wt. %) is reinforced with jute fabric in an epoxy matrix. The effect of filler concentration on tensile, hardness, flexural and impact strength are investigated as per ASTM standards. The findings indicate that the addition of fruit filler improves the mechanical property of jute composite. It is found that the presence of 2.5 wt. % filler in the nanocomposite records the highest value of tensile strength, flexural strength, and hardness of the jute epoxy composite and the 10 wt. % filler nanocomposites achieve a noticeable projection in impact strength. The fracture surfaces are examined for the fiber alignment, fiber-matrix adhesion, voids, filler agglomeration, and fiber fracture. Furthermore, a glass visor was developed to show the best mechanical performing potential and analyzed for deformation behavior and modal analysis using ANSYS.