Effect of Fibre Loading on the Physical, Mechanical and Flammability Properties of Sugarcane Bagasse/Epoxy Composites

##plugins.themes.academic_pro.article.sidebar##

Published Oct 30, 2026
https://doi.org/10.55043/jfpc.v5i3.735
Download
PDF
Statistic

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.
Vol. 5 No. 3 (2026): Journal of Fibers and Polymer Composites

##plugins.themes.academic_pro.article.main##

Jason Chow Zherui
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Kelvin Lee Kai Siang
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Mohd Nurazzi Norizan
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Zahran Hafiraj
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Mageswari Manimaran
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Che Ku Abdullah
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Anton Kuzmin
Mordovian State University

Abstract

Sugarcane bagasse is a readily available lignocellulosic waste material with potential for use as a renewable reinforcement in polymer composites. However, excessive fibre loading can adversely affect composite performance. Therefore, this study systematically evaluated the effects of sugarcane bagasse fibre loading (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 wt.%) on the physical (water absorption behaviour), mechanical (tensile, flexural and impact testing), flammability (horizontal and vertical burning test) and morphological properties (digital microscopy) of epoxy-based composites fabricated using the hand lay-up method. The results demonstrated that water absorption increased with fibre loading due to the hydrophilic nature of sugarcane bagasse. Moreover, mechanical properties generally improved with increasing fibre content up to an optimum level which is 40wt.%, and show low properties at 50wt% loading of fibre. These improvements were attributed to enhanced stress transfer efficiency and effective fibre-matrix interfacial bonding. Furthermore, increases in fibre loading resulted in reduced mechanical performance because of fibre agglomeration and insufficient matrix impregnation. All composites attained the UL-94 HB classification and but did not satisfy the UL-94 vertical rating criteria. 40wt.% shows lowest horizontal burning rate at 20.08 mm/min with. Overall, composites containing 40 wt.% sugarcane bagasse fibre exhibited the most favourable balance properties highlighting their potential as sustainable lightweight non-structural or in fire-safety application.

##plugins.themes.academic_pro.article.details##

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Author Biographies

Jason Chow Zherui, Universiti Sains Malaysia

Bioresource Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, 11800, Malaysia

Kelvin Lee Kai Siang, Universiti Sains Malaysia

Bioresource Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, 11800, Malaysia

Mohd Nurazzi Norizan, Universiti Sains Malaysia

Bioresource Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, 11800, Malaysia

Zahran Hafiraj, Universiti Sains Malaysia

Bioresource Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, 11800, Malaysia

Mageswari Manimaran, Universiti Sains Malaysia

Bioresource Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, 11800, Malaysia

Che Ku Abdullah, Universiti Sains Malaysia

Bioresource Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, 11800, Malaysia

Anton Kuzmin, Mordovian State University

Department of Mechanization of Agricultural Products Processing, National Research, Mordovian State University, Saransk, 430005, Russia

How to Cite
Zherui, J. C., Siang, K. L. K., Norizan, M. N., Hafiraj, Z., Manimaran, M., Abdullah, C. K., & Kuzmin, A. (2026). Effect of Fibre Loading on the Physical, Mechanical and Flammability Properties of Sugarcane Bagasse/Epoxy Composites. Journal of Fibers and Polymer Composites, 5(3), 293–317. https://doi.org/10.55043/jfpc.v5i3.735

References

  1. Mahboubizadeh S, Sadeq A, Arzaqi Z, Ashkani O, Samadoghli M. Advancements in fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites: an extensive review. Discov Mater 2024;4:22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43939-024-00091-9.
  2. Alovsat TY. Classification and properties of composites based on matrix material. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews 2024;24:2278–82. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.24.2.3608.
  3. Diniță A, Ripeanu RG, Ilincă CN, Cursaru D, Matei D, Naim RI, et al. Advancements in Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites: A Comprehensive Analysis. Polymers (Basel) 2023;16:2. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16010002.
  4. Hasan MdH, Hasan MdR, Rahman MdH, Islam MN, Sabur MdA, Rahman GMS, et al. Synergistic effect of chemically treated eco‐friendly Luffa and glass fiber reinforcement for layered hybrid polymer composites: A novel approach. SPE Polymers 2025;6. https://doi.org/10.1002/pls2.70007.
  5. Mulla MH, Norizan MN, Mohammed Rawi NF, Mohamad Kassim MH, Abdullah N, Norrrahim MNF, et al. Thermomechanical Analysis and Structure of Sugar Palm Fiber-Reinforced and Woven Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Hybrid Epoxy Composites. Polimery 2026;71:223–35. https://doi.org/10.14314/polimery.2026.4.1.
  6. Ahmed R, Manik KH, Nath A, Shohag JR, Mim JJ, Hossain N. Recent advances in sustainable natural fiber composites: Environmental benefits, applications, and future prospects. Materials Today Sustainability 2025;32:101220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101220.
  7. Ajayi NE, Rusnakova S, Ajayi AE, Ogunleye RO, Agu SO, Amenaghawon AN. A comprehensive review of natural fiber reinforced Polymer composites as emerging materials for sustainable applications. Appl Mater Today 2025;43:102666. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmt.2025.102666.
  8. Abtew MA, Gebeyehu EK, Dejene BK, Atalie D. Recycled Cellulosic Natural Fibers and Their Reinforced Polymer Composites: Processing Methods, Applications, Challenges and Future Directions. Sustainability 2026;18:2500. https://doi.org/10.3390/su18052500.
  9. Asyraf MRM, Nurazzi NM, Norrrahim MNF, Hazrati KZ, Ghani A, Sabaruddin FA, et al. Thermal properties of oil palm lignocellulosic fibre reinforced polymer composites: a comprehensive review on thermogravimetry analysis. Cellulose 2023;30:2753–90. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-023-05080-4.
  10. Venkatesan G, Jayakumar M, Nemera A, Balachandar R. Natural Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composite Manufacturing Processes. Encyclopedia of Green Materials, Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore; 2025, p. 1480–93. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-4618-7_258.
  11. Nurazzi M, Laila D, Khalina A, Sapuan SM. Review : Fibres , Polymer Matrices and Composites. Sci Technol 2017;25:1085–102. Available on: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326254942_A_review_Fibres_polymer_matrices_and_composites.
  12. Ilyas RA, Sapuan SM, Ibrahim R, Atikah MSN, Atiqah A, Ansari MNM, et al. Production, Processes and Modification of Nanocrystalline Cellulose from Agro-Waste: A Review. Nanocrystalline Materials, IntechOpen; 2020. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.87001.
  13. Chougala V, Gowda AC, Nagaraja S, Ammarullah MI. Effect of Chemical Treatments on Mechanical Properties of Sugarcane Bagasse (Gramineae Saccharum Officinarum L) Fiber Based Biocomposites: A Review. Journal of Natural Fibers 2025;22. https://doi.org/10.1080/15440478.2024.2445571.
  14. OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2025-2034. OECD Publishing; 2025. https://doi.org/10.1787/601276cd-en.
  15. Barasa Kabeyi MJ. Sugarcane Bagasse and Cane Trash as a Fuel. Proceedings of the International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management, Michigan, USA: IEOM Society International; 2023. https://doi.org/10.46254/AP04.20230267.
  16. Kamboj A, Sadh PK, Yadav B, Kumari A, Kumar R, Surekha, et al. Unravelling the potential of sugarcane bagasse: An eco-friendly and inexpensive agro-industrial waste for the production of valuable products using pretreatment processes for sustainable bio-economy. J Environ Chem Eng 2024;12:114461. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2024.114461.
  17. Prasetya R, Gapsari F, Andoko A, Anam K, Raharjo R, Mavinkere Rangappa S, et al. Moisture-induced swelling in natural fiber-reinforced composites: A critical review of chemical treatments, hybrid strategies, and environmental durability. Green Technologies and Sustainability 2026;4:100336. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.grets.2026.100336.
  18. Sahu P, Gupta M. Water absorption behavior of cellulosic fibres polymer composites: A review on its effects and remedies. Journal of Industrial Textiles 2022;51. https://doi.org/10.1177/1528083720974424.
  19. Shifa SS, Zhang N. Progress and perspectives on plant-based natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites: Structure–property relationships and emerging design strategies. Journal of Polymer Research 2026;33:254. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10965-026-04954-y.
  20. Nor Arman NS, Chen RS, Ahmad S. Review of state-of-the-art studies on the water absorption capacity of agricultural fiber-reinforced polymer composites for sustainable construction. Constr Build Mater 2021;302:124174. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.124174.
  21. Mittal V, Saini R, Sinha S. Natural fiber-mediated epoxy composites – A review. Compos B Eng 2016;99:425–35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2016.06.051.
  22. Rajeshkumar L, Kumar PS, Boonyasopon P, Rangappa SM, Siengchin S. Flame retardance behaviour and degradation of plant-based natural fiber composites – A comprehensive review. Constr Build Mater 2024;432:136552. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.136552.
  23. Alsuwait RB, Souiyah M, Momohjimoh I, Ganiyu SA, Bakare AO. Recent Development in the Processing, Properties, and Applications of Epoxy-Based Natural Fiber Polymer Biocomposites. Polymers (Basel) 2022;15:145. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15010145.
  24. Razali N, Aseri NAS, Dalingam S, Kamarolzaman AA. The effect of fibre loading on the physical and mechanical properties of Pineapple Leaf Fibre-reinforced biodegradable composites. J Phys Conf Ser 2019;1349:012148. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1349/1/012148.
  25. Soesanti A, Batan IML, Wahjudi A, Effendi MK, Izzuddin MY, Suwarta P. Effect of fiber type and fiber loading on the mechanical behavior and microstructure of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites. Results in Materials 2026;31:101023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rinma.2026.101023.
  26. Ye Y, Huang Q, Li X. Effect of Fiber Loading on Mechanical and Flame-Retardant Properties of Poplar-Fiber-Reinforced Gypsum Composites. Molecules 2024;29:2674. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29112674.
  27. Rao S, Madhushree M, Bhat KS. Characteristics of surface modified sugarcane bagasse cellulose: application of esterification and oxidation reactions. Sci Rep 2024;14:24136. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-75846-8.
  28. Amjad A, Anjang Ab Rahman A, Awais H, Zainol Abidin MS, Khan J. A review investigating the influence of nanofiller addition on the mechanical, thermal and water absorption properties of cellulosic fibre reinforced polymer composite. Journal of Industrial Textiles 2022;51:65S-100S. https://doi.org/10.1177/15280837211057580.
  29. Mulla MH, Norizan MN, Mohammad Rawi NF, Mohamad Kassim MH, Abdullah CK, Abdullah N, et al. A review of fire performance of plant-based natural fibre reinforced polymer composites. Int J Biol Macromol 2025;305:141130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.141130.
  30. Sivamurugan P, Selvam R, Pandian M, Ashraf MohdS, Chakrapani IS, Thanikasalam A, et al. Extraction of novel biosilica from finger millet husk and its coconut rachilla-reinforced epoxy biocomposite: mechanical, thermal, and hydrophobic behaviour. Biomass Convers Biorefin 2024;14:14251–9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-022-03342-y.
  31. Halip JA, Hua LS, Ashaari Z, Tahir PM, Chen LW, Anwar Uyup MK. Effect of treatment on water absorption behavior of natural fiber–reinforced polymer composites. Mechanical and Physical Testing of Biocomposites, Fibre-Reinforced Composites and Hybrid Composites, Elsevier; 2019, p. 141–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-102292-4.00008-4.
  32. Lee SC, Mariatti M. The effect of bagasse fibers obtained (from rind and pith component) on the properties of unsaturated polyester composites. Mater Lett 2008;62:2253–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matlet.2007.11.097.
  33. Mohammad Taib MNA. Influence of green fillers from oil palm trunk ( Elaeis guineensis ) on the thermal stability, tensile performance and morphological properties of reinforced epoxy composites. RSC Adv 2025;15:45061–70. https://doi.org/10.1039/D5RA07482G.
  34. Siddique SH, Faisal DrS, Zahid B, Wang C. Tensile Properties of Bagasse Fiber Composites. Mehran University Research Journal of Engineering and Technology 2021;40:502–11. https://doi.org/10.22581/muet1982.2103.05.
  35. Vemuganti S, Soliman E, Reda Taha M. 3D-Printed Pseudo Ductile Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composite Using Discrete Fiber Orientations. Fibers 2020;8:53. https://doi.org/10.3390/fib8090053.
  36. Tasgin Y, Demircan G, Kandemir S, Acikgoz A. Mechanical, wear and thermal properties of natural fiber-reinforced epoxy composite: cotton, sisal, coir and wool fibers. J Mater Sci 2024;59:10844–57. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-024-09810-2.
  37. Temesgen AG, Kaufmann J, Cebulla H. Mechanical performance of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites with critical assessment of recent advances and future perspectives. Discov Mater 2026;6:205. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43939-026-00673-9.
  38. Tüfekci M. Nonlinear Dynamic Mechanical and Impact Performance Assessment of Epoxy and Microcrystalline Cellulose-Reinforced Epoxy. Polymers (Basel) 2024;16:3284. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16233284.
  39. Yang H-S, Gardner DJ, Nader JW. Characteristic impact resistance model analysis of cellulose nanofibril-filled polypropylene composites. Compos Part A Appl Sci Manuf 2011. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2011.09.009.
  40. Persico P, Acierno D, Carfagna C, Cimino F. Mechanical and Thermal Behaviour of Ecofriendly Composites Reinforced by Kenaf and Caroà Fibers. Int J Polym Sci 2011;2011:1–7. https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/841812.
  41. Samyn P, Cosemans P. Nanocellulose Grades with Different Morphologies and Surface Modification as Additives for Waterborne Epoxy Coatings. Polymers (Basel) 2024;16:1095. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16081095.
  42. Oladele IO, Taiwo AS, Bello LJ, Balogun SO, Senzeni Sipho L, Adelani SO. Fabrication of animal shell and sugarcane bagasse particulate hybrid reinforced epoxy composites for structural applications. Polymers and Polymer Composites 2024;32. https://doi.org/10.1177/09673911231202183.
  43. Vallejos ME, Vilaseca F, Méndez JA, Espinach FX, Aguado RJ, Delgado-Aguilar M, et al. Response of Polypropylene Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibers: Impact Strength and Water-Uptake Behaviors. Polymers (Basel) 2023;15:900. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15040900.
  44. Humaira Alias A, Zainudin ES, Mohd Norizan MN, Rushdan AI. Development and Characterisation of Biocomposite Insulator Board from Durian Skin Fibres. Pertanika J Sci Technol 2023;31:59–85. https://doi.org/10.47836/pjst.31.S1.04.
  45. Mohd Zuhri Yusoff, S. Mohd Sapuan, N. Ismail, R. Wirawan. Mechanical properties of short random oil palm fibre reinforced epoxy composites. Sains Malays 2010;39:87–92. Avaible on: https://www.researchgatenet/publication/258919689_Mechanical_ Properties
  46. ofShort_Random_Oil_Palm_Fibre_Reinforced_Epoxy_Composites
  47. Sampathkumar D, Mohankumar A, Kulandaivel A, Packkirisamy V. Experimental Investigation on the Micro Structural and Flame Retardant Properties of Various Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites. Journal of Natural Fibers 2024;21. https://doi.org/10.1080/15440478.2024.2341125.
  48. Ao X, Vázquez-López A, Mocerino D, González C, Wang D-Y. Flame retardancy and fire mechanical properties for natural fiber/polymer composite: A review. Compos B Eng 2024;268:111069. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2023.111069.
  49. Yang H, Yan R, Chen H, Lee DH, Zheng C. Characteristics of hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin pyrolysis. Fuel 2007;86:1781–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2006.12.013.
  50. Liu S-H, Ke C-Y, Chiang C-L. Thermal Stability, Smoke Density, and Flame Retardance of Ecotype Bio-Based Flame Retardant Agricultural Waste Bagasse/Epoxy Composites. Polymers (Basel) 2021;13:2977. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13172977.

Most read articles by the same author(s)