Elaeocarpus ganitrus (rudraksha) seeds as a potential sustainable reinforcement for polymer matrix composites

Creating environmentally friendly materials like polymer matrix composites (PMCs) enhanced with natural fillers has grown in recent decades. It supports the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) by reducing the reliance on non-renewable resources, minimizing waste generation, and promoting sustainable land and water management practices. This investigation assesses the viability of employing Elaeocarpus ganitrus (rudraksha) seeds as a filler (rudraksha seed filler [RSF] in environmentally sustainable composite materials. Various loading concentrations and sizes of RSFs were incorporated by hand lay-up into polymer epoxy resin (ER). The effect of filler on the mechanical properties of composites was observed. Thermal properties of RSF/epoxy composites were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The 10 wt% 100-mesh filler had the maximum tensile strength (TS) at 42.30 MPa and flexural strength (FS) at 87.4 MPa, surpassing other filler sizes and loading concentrations. Meanwhile, the highest impact properties have been achieved with 20 wt% of RSF with 0.436 J. The results of this study highlight the significant impact of filler type and concentration on the mechanical properties of the material. These findings offer valuable insights that may be applied to various industrial contexts. Furthermore, incorporating 10% up to 30 wt% RSF in epoxy composites has brought more thermal stability than virgin epoxy. It revealed that the RSFs possess higher decomposition temperatures than the epoxy matrix. RSF has a potential sustainable reinforcement in polymer composites and holds great promise for addressing environmental challenges and aligning with several SDGs.Highlights Interest in eco-friendly materials, like polymer composites with natural reinforcements, has been increasing in recent decades. Rudraksha sees filler is lightweight with low moisture, high carbon content, and some mineral elements. The addition of Rudraksha seed filler has enhanced the tensile, flexural, and impact properties of the composites. Rudraksha seed filler possess higher decomposition temperatures than the epoxy matrix. Rudraksha seed filler has a promising future as a sustainable friction material for automotive brake pads.