Investigation of mechanical and morphological traits with the effect of turtle shell powder in kenaf-epoxy composite

• Published in: Journal of polymer research Vol. 31; no. 5
• Main Authors: K, Rajesh Kumar, R, Jeyapaul
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01.05.2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Bonding strength; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Fillers; Industrial Chemistry/Chemical Engineering; Interfacial bonding; Kenaf; Laminar composites; Load transfer; Mechanical properties; Morphology; Original Paper; Particulates; Ply orientation; Polymer Sciences; TSP filler; Mechanical properties; Kenaf; Epoxy; Morphological traits; Hand layup
• ISSN: 1022-9760; 1572-8935
• DOI: 10.1007/s10965-024-03988-4

The current study focuses on exploring the effectiveness of Turtle Shell Powder (TSP) as a new and unique approach to use it as a filler material while fabricating kenaf/epoxy composites and investigating its potential application. The FRP composite of kenaf/epoxy reinforced with TSP filler was manufactured at various loading (1%, 3% and 5% by weight). The influence of TSP filled KFRP composite was studied and compared with the results of mechanical properties. SEM was employed to conduct morphological traits of the tensile fracture for the K0 and K5 samples with this EDAX also analysed. A notable enhancement observed from the result is the 5% TSP reinforced composite (K5) compared to other samples. This enhancement was ascribed to the improved dispersion and interfacial bonding between the reinforcement and the matrix in the composites, leading to more efficient load transfer mechanisms. The performance of TSP particles dramatically improves the strength of the laminated composites, and the inclusion of ply orientation further strengthens the interfacial bonding between TSP, epoxy and kenaf components.