Mechanical behavior of basalt-reinforced epoxy composites modified with biomass-derived seashell powder

Abstract

The effect of resin modification through the incorporation of the biomass waste in the form of seashell powder on the mechanical properties of basalt fiber–reinforced epoxy/seashell composites is examined through experimental investigations. The resin modification is done through the addition of seashell powder in 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt.%. The modified resin is then reinforced with basalt fiber mat and the required laminate is obtained through compression molding technique. The specimens required for various mechanical tests, such as flexural, tensile, inter laminar shear (ILSS), and the impact strengths, are cut from the laminate as per the standard ASTM dimensions. The mechanical test results indicate that through the addition of the seashell filler additional toughening mechanisms are introduced which improves the strength of the composite laminate. The improvement in the flexural modulus value for all the laminates made from modified resin indicates the ability of the laminate to deflect the applied load effectively and efficiently. The optimum wt.% addition of seashell filler into the resin is found to be 5% for flexural, ILSS, and impact strength while for tensile strength it was observed to be 10%. The addition of higher wt.% loading of seashell filler into the resin has rendered the resin too thick and viscous with minimum flowability. Thus, there is a reduced wettability of the modified resin with the basalt fibers due to which the strength of the laminates reduces. The SEM analysis indicates widespread delamination for higher wt.% addition of the seashell filler into the resin.

Exploring acoustic properties of banana fiber composites with elastomeric filler through a computational approach

“…It is noteworthy to recognize the advancement in hybridized natural fiber reinforced composite materials with various kinds of fillers in micro-and nano-sizes. Some of the fillers used were fly-ash [9,10], nanosilica, nano TiO 2 and nanoclay [11,12], Carbon nanotubes [13], kaolin [14], nutshell powder and grain husk flour [15], seashell powder [16] and eggshell powder [17]. In such hybridized composites, the natural fibers are subjected to surface modification treatments by physical (ultrasound, plasma and ultraviolet treatments) and chemical (alkali, silane, permanganate, peroxide and benzyl treatments) means.…”

Exploring the Effect of Natural Ficus benghalensis Tree Aerial Root Powder on the Mechanical Properties of Basalt-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites

“…Natural fillers are derived from nature and thus have the additional benefits of being biodegradable, easily available, and inexpensive [21]. Natural fillers, such as rice husk ash [22], sawdust [23], tamarind seed powder [24], eggshell powder [25], coconut coir powder, coconut shell powder [26], seashell powder [27], etc., have been explored. Research involving tamarind seed powder indicated an improvement in the mechanical properties of natural-fiber-reinforced epoxy composites at 7.5 wt.% addition of tamarind seed powder [28].…”