Investigating the use of natural hollow fibers from common milkweed to improve the mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy resin

Abstract Milkweed floss was used as a reinforcement to develop lightweight epoxy composites with enhanced thermal insulating properties. Seed fibers from Asclepias Syriaca harvested in Quebec were for this study. Some treated acetone remove their protective hydrophobic coating. Epoxy resin blended 15% w/w of native or acetone‐treated milkweed form prepregs. The prepregs casted into molds, degassed, and compressed produce the composites. passed through post‐curing phase before characterization. alone characterized determine density, porosity, conductivity, degradation, mechanical resistance, thermo‐mechanical behavior. reinforced 7.4% 10.3% lighter than resin, respectively. specific elastic modulus increased by 9.6% 20.1% addition fibers, conductivity epoxi decreased 7.8% 15.6% use floss, Due low weight reduced milkweed‐reinforced may find applications production structural elements vehicles buildings.