Influence of the size of walnut shell particulates on mechanical properties of epoxy-based composites

Abstract

In the present work, a new class of polymer composite is developed using walnut shell powder (WSP) as particulate filler in the epoxy matrix. Three different sizes of WSP are used for preparing three different sets of composites. The particle size selected is 50-micron, 75-micron, and 100-micron. In each set of composites with different particle size, four compositions i.e., 5 wt. %, 10 wt. %, 15 wt. % and 20 wt. % of the WSP is fabricated. All prepared composites have undergone testing to study the behavior of the material under mechanical loading. The different mechanical tests performed are the tensile test, flexural test, compressive test and hardness test. From the experimentation, the inclusion of WSP appreciably alters the different mechanical properties of epoxy. With the increase in the content of filler, an appreciable increase in the value of hardness and compressive strength is observed. Though, it has been seen that the tensile strength and flexural strength of the material is compromised slightly when the content of WSP increases beyond a certain limit. Further, it is observed that composites fabricated with smaller size particles give improved mechanical properties as compared to their counterparts.

Physical, mechanical, and sliding wear behavior of epoxy composites filled with surface modified walnut shell particulate

“…Enhancement in the tensile strength as low filler content is because low filler content provides better wetting of fillers and because the load transferability improves, whereas, at high filler content, agglomeration of particles took place and thus reduced wetting of filler. [23,29] With agglomeration, the problem of stress concentration starts and because of improper wetting, weak bonding between the matrix and filler phase took place. Both factors are responsible for the decrement.…”

“…[2][3][4] Presently, nutshells in the form of particles as a filler material in a polymeric resin are of interest among the scientific community. Almond shell, [5,6] argan nutshell, [7,8] cashew nutshell, [9,10] coconut shell, [11,12] Doum palm shell, [13,14] hazelnut shell, [15,16] palm kernel shell, [17,18] peanut shell, [19,20] pistachio shell [21,22] and walnut shell [1,23] are the nutshells explored by the scientific community as a filler material for different applications.…”

“…Pradhan et al [28] studied the thermal properties of polyester/walnut shell particulate composites and found that the inclusion of filler enhances the thermal insulation and glass transition temperature of the material, whereas, the coefficient of thermal expansion drastically reduces. Sejkar et al [23,29] studied the effect of the walnut shell particle size and found that composites prepared with small size particulates bring enhanced properties.…”

Ranking of epoxy/Kota stone dust composite by MCDM approach using hybrid AHP-MOORA methods

“…While petroleum-based plastics have found extensive use in applications where strength is not a primary concern, their environmental impact cannot be overlooked. Recycling has gained paramount importance in various sectors today [1]. Industries produce significant amounts of waste, which contributes to pollution in the environment.…”