Development and Mechanical characterization of Hybrid Citrus Peel–Reinforced Epoxy Composites for Sustainable Structural Applications

IJEP 46(9): 842-850 : Vol. 46 Issue 9 (September 2026)

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Bhawna Dahiya1, Aman Kumar2, Jayant Pandurang Supale3, Dipti Grover1 and Sunil Kumar Sharma4*

1. Kurukshetra University, Institute of Environmental Studies, Kurukshetra – 136 119, Haryana, India
2. University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET), Maharshi Dayanand University, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rohtak – 124 001, Haryana, India
3. G.B. Pant Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University (DSEU), Okhla-I Campus, New Delhi – 110 020, India
4. Shri Vishwakarma Skill University, Skill Department of Green Technology, Palwal – 121 102, Haryana, India

Abstract

Hybrid citrus peel powders from lemon orange and mosambi were used as sustainable particulate fillers and mixed with epoxy to produce 25 wt% bio-composite fiberboards. These very fine peel powders (~2–3 mm) were prepared by cleaning, ball-milling, sieving and oven-drying at 80°C for 24 hr. Sample A contained 12% lemon, 8% orange and 5% mosambi; sample B had 5% lemon, 12% orange and 8% mosambi and sample C contained 8% lemon, 5% orange and 12% mosambi. The composite fiberboards were fabricated using mechanical stirring, degassing, molding and 2 hr of post-curing at 120°C of the hybrid mixture. Tensile and flexural strength and hardness were measured in accordance with ASTM standards. Sample A had the highest tensile (16 MPa) and flexural strength (678.8 MPa), whereas samples B and C showed lower values for both properties (9.6-12.8 MPa, 657.4 MPa). A consistent Vickers hardness of 78 HV suggested uniform surface resistance. It was observed that composites rich in lemon showed better stiffness and interfacial bonding, while blends rich in orange and mosambi provided more ductility. It was also found that blending epoxy with a suitable ratio of a mixture of different peel powders would enhance the mechanical properties of the composite, making it suitable for various applications, such as interior panels and casings at a comparatively lower cost.

Keywords

Citrus peel powder, epoxy composites, sustainable materials, mechanical properties, agricultural waste utilization

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