Development and Characterization of Green-synthesized MgO Nanoparticle Reinforced Clitoria ternatea Fiber/Epoxy Hybrid Composites for Biomedical and Lightweight Structural Applications
J. Environ. Nanotechnol., Volume 15, No 3 (September 2026) pp. 539-551
Abstract
This study examines the creation of sustainable hybrid epoxy composites reinforced with alkali-treated Clitoria ternatea fiber and green-synthesized Magnesium Oxide (MgO) nanoparticles for possible biomedical and lightweight structural usage. Composite laminates were produced by the traditional hand lay-up method, maintaining a consistent epoxy matrix composition of 70 wt.% while altering the concentrations of fiber and MgO filler. The extracted fibers underwent chemical treatment with NaOH solution to improve surface roughness, cellulose accessibility, and fiber-matrix interfacial adhesion. MgO nanoparticles produced environmentally utilizing Moringa oleifera leaf extract were integrated as bio-based filler reinforcement to enhance antibacterial and structural properties of composites. The fabricated laminates were evaluated using antibacterial analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX) and mechanical testing. Experimental results indicated that sample D enhanced overall performance owing to optimized fiber-filler interaction and consistent stress transfer characteristics. The composite exhibited measurable antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, indicating its potential for further investigation in antimicrobial and hygienic material applications. XRD analysis confirmed the inclusion of cellulose crystalline phases and characteristic MgO diffraction peaks within the composite structure. FTIR analysis confirmed the inclusion of characteristic cellulose, epoxy, and MgO-related functional groups and indicated effective chemical interaction among the composite constituents. SEM analysis revealed rough fibrillar surfaces, matrix-covered fibers, and reasonably good fiber–matrix interaction within the composite structure. Mechanical evaluation revealed that sample D achieved a maximum tensile strength of 42.1 MPa, a flexural strength of 43.2 MPa, and impact energy absorption of 11.0 J. Sample D produced inhibition zones of 15.3, 18.1, 14.8, and 16.9 mm against Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli, respectively. Thermal analysis demonstrated improved thermal stability with a degradation onset temperature of 268°C and a residual char content of 21.4 wt.% at 800°C. The findings indicate that the Clitoria ternatea fiber-reinforced MgO/epoxy hybrid composite exhibits favourable structural, thermal, antibacterial, and mechanical characteristics, supporting its potential for lightweight and sustainable engineering applications, while biomedical applicability requires further biological-safety and application-specific evaluation.
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