Mechanical and Water Absorption Characterization of Mango Seed Shell/Epoxy Composite for Low Load Carrying Structures

Abstract

The present work deals with the characterization of mango seed shell fiber reinforced epoxy composites by using hand layup method by varying the volume composition of the mango seed shell from 0 vol. % to 60 vol. % (M-0 to M-60). The physical density test, tensile test, flexural test, and water absorption test were conducted as per the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. Results revealed that the tensile strength of M-20 (20 vol. %) is 43% more than a neat epoxy, while the flexural strength of M-50 (50 vol. %) is greater than 10.85% more than a neat epoxy. The water absorption test was conducted by immersing the samples in distilled water at room temperature, and the weight of the specimens was measured and recorded at every 24-hour time interval. For all composite samples, saturation in water absorption and thickness swelling were observed after 432 hours of water immersion. The moisture absorption increases with the inclusion of reinforcements as compared to the neat epoxy samples. However, for the M-50 composite, the water absorption decreases due to the uniform mixing and stronger bonding between the matrix and the reinforcements. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the composite specimens also depicted the particulate fiber distribution and the presence of micro-voids in the epoxy matrix.

Influence of fly ash filler on the mechanical properties and water absorption behaviour of epoxy polymer composites reinforced with pineapple leaf fibre for biomedical applications

“…The composite with optimum wt% of natural reinforcement and filler component demonstrated a noteworthy reduction in water absorption, which was ascribed to consistent mixing and enhanced bonding between the reinforcements and the matrix. 58…”

“…Many countries have already started utilizing natural ller-based composites in various applications, such as rail and decking products, car components, architectural moldings, and more. [52][53][54] Inorganic llers include various materials like zinc oxide, alumina, calcium carbonate, and silica, while organic llers consist of particulates derived from plants and animals. The quantity of ller added to the polymer matrix depends on the type of ller and matrix used, usually varying between 4% and 5% by weight.…”