Background:Recently, progress has been made toward understanding the efficiency of
polymer composites with natural fibres. With the hope of enhancing the characteristics of polymer
composites supplemented with natural fibres in a watery environment, TiO2 nanoparticles have been
used to improve their performance in the field.Methods:These nanoparticles were filled in luffa-epoxy components at 1, 3, and 5% volume fractions.
A combination of x-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was utilized to
conduct the structural examinations. The nanoparticle spread was captured by field emission scanning
electron microscopy.Results:Results show that dry nanocomposite's tensile strength and modulus have increased by 74%
and, 13%, 137%, and 50% compared with epoxy and 40 vol% luffa-epoxy (E/L) composites, respectively.
In wet nanocomposites, maximum reduction in tensile strength and modulus were observed as
27.4% and 16.54%, respectively. The diminished water absorption and thickness swelling percentage
of nanocomposites were recorded as 98% and 91.8%, respectively. The onset temperature of these
nanocomposites was scattered in the range of 379-393°C, with a maximum char residue of 38%.Conclusion:The increase in the percentage of residue indicates the effectiveness of epoxy's flame
retardant, improved thermal stability, diminished water absorption (approximately 2%), and 95% retention
of wet composites' tensile properties. These results provided data support for improving the
application of nanocomposites in the automobile field and to develop possible patents on the new
material development.