Performance evaluation of bamboo charcoal-filled natural fiber composites for sustainable structural and acoustic applications.

This article focuses on the development and characterization of natural fiber composites reinforced with bamboo charcoal (BC), sugarcane bagasse (SCB), and rice husk (RH) in various weight ratios, assessing their thermal, mechanical, and acoustic properties for potential sustainable applications. Using hand lay-up fabrication with pre-treated fibers and an epoxy-hardener matrix, the study found that a composite with 70% rice husk and 30% bamboo charcoal (S₀R₇₀B₃₀) exhibited the lowest thermal conductivity (0.04043 W/m·K), while a 70% sugarcane bagasse and 30% bamboo charcoal blend (S₇₀R₀B₃₀) showed the highest tensile strength (63.00 MPa) and flexural strength (80.92 MPa). Acoustic testing revealed that the 100% bamboo charcoal sample (S₀R₀B₁₀₀) achieved the highest Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC = 0.0575), attributed to its porous structure, with hybrid composites demonstrating tunable sound absorption across frequencies. Scanning Electron Microscopy confirmed good fiber dispersion and strong fiber-matrix bonding, supporting the composites’ multifunctional performance suitable for applications in thermal insulation, noise control, and structural components in construction and transportation.