Calotropis gigantea Fiber-Based Non-Woven Sheets with Enhanced UV Resistance for Automotive Interior

Abstract

The UV characteristics of CalotropisgiganteaFiber-reinforced non-woven composites for automobile parts are examined in this work. Researchers have looked at the possibility of using Calotropisgigantea, a naturally occurring fibre obtained from plants, to produce sustainable materials. Using Calotropisgigantea fibre to produce a UV-enriched non-woven material is the aim of this study. A needle-punching process was used to create the composites, and their chemical and physical characteristics were described. After the non-woven material was made using a spun bonding technique and combined with low melting polyester, its properties were evaluated. The composites\' tolerance to UV light was assessed. The findings demonstrated that the composites had outstanding UV resistance and that their characteristics little changed when exposed to UV light. A homogeneous distribution of fibres and strong interfacial adhesion between the fibres and matrix were found by the morphological investigation. Potential uses for the created composites include automobile parts. Utilising Calotropisgigantea fibres reduces the environmental effect of the automobile sector by providing a sustainable and environmentally acceptable substitute for synthetic fibres. The study\'s findings highlight the potential of non-woven composites reinforced with Calotropisgigantea fibre for use in automotive applications.

Introduction

The study explores the use of Calotropis gigantea (CG) plant fiber as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fibers in composite materials, particularly for automotive applications where UV resistance and environmental impact are concerns. The fiber was locally sourced, extracted manually, and dried naturally before being processed into non-woven composites using needle-punching combined with low-melting polyester (LMP) fibers.

The composites were evaluated for physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. CG fiber was found to be lighter (density 1.17 g/cm³) and finer in diameter compared to LMP fiber but had lower tensile strength and abrasion resistance than commercial non-woven fabrics. Chemically, CG fiber contains lignin and higher ash content, which contribute to rigidity and potential fire resistance. The non-woven composites demonstrated good UV resistance, making them promising for automotive uses where sustainability and durability are desired, although improvements in strength and abrasion resistance are needed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the sustainable development of UV-resistant nonwoven sheets from Calotropisgiganteafibres for automotive applications has shown promising results. This innovative material offers a viable alternative to traditional materials, providing benefits such as sustainability, biodegradability, and improved performance. The development of these nonwoven sheets has the potential to contribute to a more environmentally friendly and sustainable automotive industry. Further research and development are needed to fully explore the potential of Calotropisgiganteafibres and to address any challenges that may arise.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 V. Christy Prasanna, K. Sivasankaran, Dr. R. Geethadevi . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.