The Influence of Filler Loading and Alkaline Treatment on the Mechanical Properties of Palm Kernel Cake Filler Reinforced Epoxy Composites

Abstract

The manufacturing of materials, in conjunction with green technology, emphasises the need to employ renewable resources to ensure long-term sustainability. Re-exploring renewable elements that can be employed as reinforcing materials in polymer composites has been a major endeavour. The research goal is to determine how well palm kernel cake filler (PKCF) performs in reinforced epoxy composites. In this study, PKCF with 100 mesh was mixed with epoxy resin (ER) in various ratios ranging from 10% to 40% by weight. Hand lay-up with an open mould is proposed as a method for fabricating the specimen test. Surface modification of PKCF with varying concentrations of NaOH (5 wt.% and 10 wt.%) will be contrasted with the untreated samples. Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), the effect of alkaline treatment will be examined. The tensile and maximum flexural strength of the untreated PKCF/ER composite were determined in this work, with a 30 wt.% of PKCF having the highest tensile strength of 31.20 MPa and the highest flexural strength of 39.70 MPa. The tensile and flexural strength were reduced to 22.90 MPa and 30.50 MPa, respectively, when the filler loading was raised to 40 wt.%. A 5 wt.% alkali treatment for 1 h improved the composites’ mechanical characteristics. Lastly, an alkali treatment can aid in the resolution of the problem of inadequate matrix and filler interaction. Alkaline treatment is a popular and effective method for reducing the hydroxyl group in fillers and, thus, improving interfacial bonding. Overall, palm kernel cake is a promising material used as a filler in polymer composites.

Influence of dammar gum application on the mechanical properties of pineapple leaf fiber reinforced tapioca biopolymer composites

“…Alkali treatment improves the cleanliness and alters the surface of the PALF, which enhance its ability to stick or adhere to the tapioca biopolymer (TBP). [26][27][28] However, applying 5% (w/v) alkali treatment with 1 h immersion duration does not significantly improve the tensile performance of 30% of PALF reinforced TBP composites, which can only enhance 2.8% the improvement of tensile properties. 29 On the contrary, it has been demonstrated that incorporating a coupling agent can effectively augment the interfacial adhesion of the composite material.…”

“…A prior investigation examined the employment of alkali treatment and coupling agents to enhance the interfacial adhesion and mechanical properties of composites made from PALF‐TBP. Alkali treatment improves the cleanliness and alters the surface of the PALF, which enhance its ability to stick or adhere to the tapioca biopolymer (TBP) 26–28 . However, applying 5% (w/v) alkali treatment with 1 h immersion duration does not significantly improve the tensile performance of 30% of PALF reinforced TBP composites, which can only enhance 2.8% the improvement of tensile properties 29 …”

Elaeocarpus ganitrus (rudraksha) seeds as a potential sustainable reinforcement for polymer matrix composites

“…Polymer composites, composed of a polymer matrix and reinforcing fillers, are frequently utilized in the construction, packaging, consumer products, automotive, and aerospace industries, among other areas. 1,2 Due to their inherent characteristics, such as those of glass fiber and carbon fiber, common synthetic fillers have restrictions on their impact on the environment and the availability of resources. Moreover, investigating natural fillers as reinforcement in polymer composites has progressed in engineering and material science.…”

“…For composite materials to be properly tailored to meet application requirements, it is essential to understand the mechanisms by which these constituents interact. 1,7,8 Furthermore, the size of the filler particles has an impact on the composite's mechanical properties. Fillers that are nanoscale in size have a high surface area-to-volume ratio, which improves molecular reinforcement.…”

“…This can be caused by deterioration in the interfacial adhesion between the hydrophobic epoxy matrix polymer and the hydrophilic UPKCF. 1 An investigation carried out by Verma et al (2020) explores the potential of pyrolyzed carbon black, obtained from used tires, as a filler in epoxy resin composites. The study focuses particularly on the utilization of carbon black in coating materials.…”