Epoxy/Fly ash from Indian soil Chulha/nano CaCO₃ nanocomposite: Studies on mechanical and thermal properties

Abstract

At present, the recycling of solid wastage Fly ash (FA) to generate high‐value products grows enormous interest. FA, micron sized powder, from Indian soil Chulha (a small earthen or brick stove), is a byproduct that can be utilized as filler in epoxy resin with different wt% due to its unique properties. The main objective of this considerable research work is to determine the thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties of epoxy resin with FA and nano CaCO3. Two different sets of composite samples were fabricated for investigating purposes. The first set of samples was fabricated with FA and DGEBA epoxy resin. Another set of samples was prepared by FA, DGEBA epoxy resin, and nano CaCO3. In both sets, FA was varied from 0% to 50% by weight and nano CaCO3 from 1% to 7% by weight. For better dispersion of FA and nano‐particles, ultrasonication technique was performed. The curing behavior of specimen has been evaluated by DSC, whereas SEM and FTIR techniques were used to analyze the morphological properties of epoxy/FA/nano CaCO3 nanocomposite. The observed results indicated that thermal and mechanical properties like tensile strength, Shore D hardness and impact strength were improved by an increment of FA and nano CaCO3 concerning that of neat epoxy. The scope of this paper is limited to FA from Indian soil Chulha.

Mechanical properties of carbon‐aramid hybrid fiber‐reinforced epoxy/poly(vinyl butyral) composites

“…Tiwari et al 10 studied epoxy composites filled with fly ash (FA) particles (obtained from Indian soil chulha) in the range of 0–50 wt% (constituents; Silica (50.5%), Alumina (23.6%), Fe 2 O 3 (11.5%), in addition to CaO, MgO, SO 3, and other elements). They reported maximal increases of about 80% and 56% in respectively the tensile strength and Izod impact of the fly ash particle‐reinforced epoxy composites.…”

“…Hence, PVB has an attractive potential for usage in laminated composite applications. [9][10][11] Up until now, many studies have been carried out and are in progress to increase the mechanical properties of epoxy composites. Most of these studies in the literature have involved compromises in terms of mechanical properties.…”

“…Furthermore, PVB can be used to increase interfacial strength and the compatibility of fibers such as glass, carbon, and Kevlar with the matrix. Hence, PVB has an attractive potential for usage in laminated composite applications 9–11 …”