Bagasse Composites

Bagasse is the fibrous residue which remains after sugarcane stalks are crushed to extract their juice. Bagasse composite is made up of bagasse fibres with matrix which holds the fibres in place. The bagasse fibres are strong and stiff relative to the matrix. Bagasse fibre composite is a Natural fibre reinforced composite. Various types of natural fibres are jute, coir, sisal, bamboo, banana, pineapple etc., Natural fibre composites are well suited for wood substitute. Low cost, low density, superior properties, biodegradability, and recyclable nature are some of the advantages of Natural fibre reinforced composites. Wheat husk, rice husk, hemp fibre and shells of various dry fruits are also used for preparing composites. Advantages of bagasse composites are design flexibility, cost effectiveness, lack of health- hazard problems and recycling possibilities. Bagasse composites are more suitable for making automotive interior parts. Surface chemical modification of bagasse fibres is used in various applications like packaging, furniture, and electronic display materials. The future of bagasse fibre composites appears to be bright because they are cheaper, lighter, and environmentally superior to glass and other synthetic fibres.

  • Bio composites such as bagasse composites are used in different applications in automotive industry, aerospace industry, building industry, furniture industry, bio medical industry etc.,

Bagasse Compositions

Sl. NoContentPercentage (%)
1Moisture49.0
2Soluble solids2.3
3Fibre48.7
  • Bagasse consists of approximately 50% cellulose and 25% each of hemicellulose and lignin. Chemically, bagasse contains about 50% α-cellulose, 30% pentosans, and 2.4% ash.

Physico-mechanical Properties of Bagasse fibres

PropertiesValue
Tensile strength (MPa)270
Young’s modulus (GPa)17
Density [g/cm3]1.25

Matrix for Natural fibres

Thermosetting plasticsEpoxy, Polymers, Phenolic, Polyurethane and polyimide
ThermoplasticsPolypropylene, Polyethylene, Polyamide, Polystyrene and olyvinylchloride
Rubber and Natural PolymersIndia-rubber, Modified starch and Cellulose esters, Polyhydroxy-butiric acid, Polylactide, etc.

The well designed and engineered products from the bagasse fibres can help in making new revolution to sustain our natural resources.