Fabrication and Characterization of Sugarcane Bagasse/Coconut Shell Particle-Reinforced Hybrid Polymer Biocomposites for Compostable Packaging

Stephen Idowu Durowaye; Olusola Emmanuel Ojo

doi:10.29130/dubited.1870760

EN TR

Fabrication and Characterization of Sugarcane Bagasse/Coconut Shell Particle-Reinforced Hybrid Polymer Biocomposites for Compostable Packaging

Abstract

Reinforcement of polymers with natural fillers has gained significant attention due to growing environmental concerns, the need for sustainability, and the limited viability of synthetic materials. This study addressed these challenges by developing and characterizing epoxy-based hybrid biocomposites reinforced with sugarcane bagasse and coconut shell particles. The biocomposites were fabricated using the stir casting method, and their microstructural, mechanical, and biodegradability properties were systematically evaluated. Experimental results revealed that the biocomposite containing 12 wt. % hybrid fillers exhibited optimal performance, with a 32.2 % increase in hardness (24.87 HV), a 12.3 % improvement in compressive strength (67.99 MPa), and a 4.1 % enhancement in impact energy (6.16 J) compared to the control sample. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed uniform filler dispersion and strong matrix–particle interfacial bonding. Biodegradability tests showed the highest weight loss of 18.5 % after seven months, indicating effective compostability. The synergistic reinforcement from sugarcane bagasse and coconut shell significantly enhanced both mechanical and environmental performance, demonstrating the composite’s potential for sustainable packaging applications.

Keywords

Sugarcane bagasse, Coconut shell, Hybrid polymer biocomposites, Mechanical properties, Biodegradability

Supporting Institution

This research received financial support from the Central Research Committee (CRC) of the University of Lagos, Nigeria, under Grant No. CRC-2025/014.

Ethical Statement

This study does not involve human or animal participants. All procedures followed scientific and ethical principles, and all referenced studies were appropriately cited.

Thanks

This research received financial support from the Central Research Committee (CRC) of the University of Lagos, Nigeria, under Grant No. CRC-2025/014. The authors gratefully acknowledge this support, which was instrumental to the successful execution of the study. The authors also thank Mr. Jelili Tiamiyu of the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, University of Lagos, for his invaluable assistance with logistics.

Fabrication and Characterization of Sugarcane Bagasse/Coconut Shell Particle-Reinforced Hybrid Polymer Biocomposites for Compostable Packaging

Abstract

Reinforcement of polymers with natural fillers has gained significant attention due to growing environmental concerns, the need for sustainability, and the limited viability of synthetic materials. This study addressed these challenges by developing and characterizing epoxy-based hybrid biocomposites reinforced with sugarcane bagasse and coconut shell particles. The biocomposites were fabricated using the stir casting method, and their microstructural, physical, mechanical, and biodegradability properties were systematically evaluated. Experimental results revealed that the biocomposite containing 12 wt. % hybrid fillers exhibited optimal performance, with a 32.2 % increase in hardness (24.87 HV), a 12.3 % improvement in compressive strength (67.99 MPa), and a 4.1 % enhancement in impact energy (6.16 J) compared to the control sample. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed uniform filler dispersion and strong matrix–particle interfacial bonding. Biodegradability tests showed the highest weight loss of 18.5 % after seven months, indicating effective compostability. The synergistic reinforcement from sugarcane bagasse and coconut shell significantly enhanced both mechanical and environmental performance, demonstrating the composite’s potential for sustainable packaging applications.

Keywords

Sugarcane bagasse, Coconut shell, Hybrid polymer biocomposites, Mechanical properties, Biodegradability

Supporting Institution

This research received financial support from the Central Research Committee (CRC) of the University of Lagos, Nigeria, under Grant No. CRC-2025/014. The authors gratefully acknowledge this support, which was instrumental to the successful execution of the study. The authors also thank Mr. Jelili Tiamiyu of the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, University of Lagos, for his invaluable assistance with logistics.

Ethical Statement

This study does not involve human or animal participants. All procedures followed scientific and ethical principles, and all referenced studies were appropriately cited.

Thanks

This research received financial support from the Central Research Committee (CRC) of the University of Lagos, Nigeria, under Grant No. CRC-2025/014. The authors gratefully acknowledge this support, which was instrumental to the successful execution of the study. The authors also thank Mr. Jelili Tiamiyu of the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, University of Lagos, for his invaluable assistance with logistics.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Material Design and Behaviors

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Stephen Idowu Durowaye ^*
0000-0003-4787-5675
Nigeria

Olusola Emmanuel Ojo
0000-0001-5342-776X
Nigeria

Publication Date

April 19, 2026

Submission Date

January 24, 2026

Acceptance Date

March 17, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 14 Number: 2

DOI

https://doi.org/10.29130/dubited.1870760

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA34DW39ST

APA

Durowaye, S. I., & Ojo, O. E. (2026). Fabrication and Characterization of Sugarcane Bagasse/Coconut Shell Particle-Reinforced Hybrid Polymer Biocomposites for Compostable Packaging. Duzce University Journal of Science and Technology, 14(2), 629-640. https://doi.org/10.29130/dubited.1870760

AMA

1.Durowaye SI, Ojo OE. Fabrication and Characterization of Sugarcane Bagasse/Coconut Shell Particle-Reinforced Hybrid Polymer Biocomposites for Compostable Packaging. DUBİTED. 2026;14(2):629-640. doi:10.29130/dubited.1870760

Chicago

Durowaye, Stephen Idowu, and Olusola Emmanuel Ojo. 2026. “Fabrication and Characterization of Sugarcane Bagasse Coconut Shell Particle-Reinforced Hybrid Polymer Biocomposites for Compostable Packaging”. Duzce University Journal of Science and Technology 14 (2): 629-40. https://doi.org/10.29130/dubited.1870760.

EndNote

Durowaye SI, Ojo OE (April 1, 2026) Fabrication and Characterization of Sugarcane Bagasse/Coconut Shell Particle-Reinforced Hybrid Polymer Biocomposites for Compostable Packaging. Duzce University Journal of Science and Technology 14 2 629–640.

IEEE

[1]S. I. Durowaye and O. E. Ojo, “Fabrication and Characterization of Sugarcane Bagasse/Coconut Shell Particle-Reinforced Hybrid Polymer Biocomposites for Compostable Packaging”, DUBİTED, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 629–640, Apr. 2026, doi: 10.29130/dubited.1870760.

ISNAD

Durowaye, Stephen Idowu - Ojo, Olusola Emmanuel. “Fabrication and Characterization of Sugarcane Bagasse Coconut Shell Particle-Reinforced Hybrid Polymer Biocomposites for Compostable Packaging”. Duzce University Journal of Science and Technology 14/2 (April 1, 2026): 629-640. https://doi.org/10.29130/dubited.1870760.

JAMA

1.Durowaye SI, Ojo OE. Fabrication and Characterization of Sugarcane Bagasse/Coconut Shell Particle-Reinforced Hybrid Polymer Biocomposites for Compostable Packaging. DUBİTED. 2026;14:629–640.

MLA

Durowaye, Stephen Idowu, and Olusola Emmanuel Ojo. “Fabrication and Characterization of Sugarcane Bagasse Coconut Shell Particle-Reinforced Hybrid Polymer Biocomposites for Compostable Packaging”. Duzce University Journal of Science and Technology, vol. 14, no. 2, Apr. 2026, pp. 629-40, doi:10.29130/dubited.1870760.

Vancouver

1.Stephen Idowu Durowaye, Olusola Emmanuel Ojo. Fabrication and Characterization of Sugarcane Bagasse/Coconut Shell Particle-Reinforced Hybrid Polymer Biocomposites for Compostable Packaging. DUBİTED. 2026 Apr. 1;14(2):629-40. doi:10.29130/dubited.1870760

Fabrication and Characterization of Sugarcane Bagasse/Coconut Shell Particle-Reinforced Hybrid Polymer Biocomposites for Compostable Packaging

Abstract

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Ethical Statement

Thanks

Fabrication and Characterization of Sugarcane Bagasse/Coconut Shell Particle-Reinforced Hybrid Polymer Biocomposites for Compostable Packaging

Abstract

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Ethical Statement

Thanks

References

Details

Primary Language

Subjects

Journal Section

Authors

Publication Date

Submission Date

Acceptance Date

Published in Issue

DOI

IZ

Cite