Abstract

This study investigates the development and characterization of plantain peel flour (PPF)-reinforced polyethylene glycol (PEG) composites. PPF, derived from agricultural waste, offers a sustainable alternative for composite reinforcement due to its eco-friendliness, biodegradability, and mechanical properties. Composites were fabricated with varying filler loadings (6%, 12%, 18%, 24%, and 30% PPF), and their mechanical and thermal properties were evaluated. Results indicate that the tensile strength improved up to 18% PPF loading significantly, achieving a maximum of 45.58 MPa, representing a 258% improvement over neat PEG. However, further increases in PPF content led to a decline in mechanical performance due to reduced interfacial compatibility and filler dispersion. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed improved thermal stability with higher PPF content, attributed to the enhanced char formation. Theoretical modelling using the Rule of Mixtures, Halpin-Tsai, and Hirsch models was employed to predict the mechanical properties, with varying degrees of accuracy. This study underscores the potential of PPF as a renewable reinforcement in polymer composites, paving the way for sustainable material development.