Confirmation of Candidature - Candidate : Babatunde Olatunbosun

Australia's housing affordability issue is multifaceted, with high construction material costs being one contributing factor. To address this, natural fibre-based construction materials are gaining popularity due to their lightweight, cost-effective, durable, and environmentally friendly properties. Bio-composites, a new and innovative product resulting from this development, are emerging as a substitute for synthetic fibre-reinforced composites. Sunn hemp fibre (SHF) is a promising candidate for bio-composite manufacturing due to its high specific strength. This study aims to investigate the short and long-term properties of bio-composites made from a sunn hemp fibre bio-epoxy resin system. 

The research will focus on identifying the effects of critical manufacturing parameters such as the type and forms of sunn hemp fibres, fibre-to-resin ratio, and alkaline treatment on the physical, mechanical, and thermo-mechanical properties of sunn hemp fibre bio-composites. To optimize the composition and properties of bio-composites for targeted engineering applications, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) will be utilized. The anticipated outcome of this research is the development of novel bio-composites from the emerging sunn hemp industry, with reliable properties suitable for building and housing construction. The study has the potential to make a valuable contribution towards resolving the issue of housing affordability in Australia, through the provision of a sustainable and economically viable substitute for conventional building materials.

Key words: Sunn hemp fibre (SHF), bio-epoxy, bio-composite, manufacturing parameters, response surface methodology (RSM), artificial neural network (ANN), mechanical properties, thermo-mechanical, and durability properties.

For more information, please email the Graduate Research School or phone 0746 31 1088.