Physical, Chemical and Mechanical Performance of a Material From By‐Products of Cameroonian Origin: The Case of <i>Luffa cylindrica</i> Particles and Natural Latex From <i>Hevea brasiliensis</i>

Abstract

This research focused on biomass resources used in Cameroon ( Luffa cylindrica (LC) sponges) as reinforcement and natural latex from Hevea brasiliensis as a matrix for the development of composites for industrial use. The LC is separated manually from the other parts of the fruit. The LC sponge is crushed and sieved to obtain different sizes ([ t &lt; 0.35], [0.3–0.63], [ t ≥ 0.63]). The composites are cold moulded and then heated for 30 min at 105°C to polymerise. Five reinforcement rates (50%, 55%, 60%, 65% and 70%) by mass of LC particles are used. FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) analysis shows that the washed and unwashed particles are identical. The density 311–782 kg m −3 reveals that the material is lightweight with ρ &lt; 450 and medium for 450 ≤ ρ ≤ 800 and that it would be useful in furniture and insulation. The moisture content 9.57%–13.94%, water absorption degree 88.53%–255.52% and thickness swelling degree 13.23%–70.8% demonstrate the hydrophilic nature of the composites produced. Mechanical tests show that Young’s modulus 0.37–131.48 MPa and tensile strength 0.008–1.373 MPa decrease with increasing size and reinforcement content, while elongation at break 0.58%–10.61% increases. MANOVA (multivariate analysis of variance) confirms the statistically significant effects of size and reinforcement content on mechanical properties. These results confirm the potential of these biocomposites for use in furniture, thermal insulation and automotive applications.