Fabrication and Characterization of Novel Tinospora cordifolia Fiber Composites with Biochar Filler

This study investigates the development of Tinospora cordifolia fiber-reinforced epoxy composites (TCF) and evaluates the effect of 10 wt% biochar filler (TCFB) on their mechanical and thermal performance. The research addresses the limited usage of Tinospora cordifolia fibers in high-performance composite applications and the need for improvement in interfacial bonding and thermal stability. Composite plates were fabricated using compression molding and characterized through tensile, flexural testing, FESEM, FTIR, EDAX, TGA, and DSC analyses. The incorporation of biochar resulted in a 28% increase in tensile strength and a 27% increase in flexural strength compared to TCF composites. Thermal analysis showed a notable rise in decomposition temperature and higher residual char content, confirming improved thermal stability. Microstructural assessments further revealed enhanced fiber-matrix adhesion and reduced void formation. These findings demonstrate that biochar-reinforced Tinospora cordifolia composites offer a sustainable, mechanically superior, and thermally stable material, suitable for structural, automotive, and heat-resistant applications.