Strengthening of polymer composites with an addition of Ashoka seeds and Eggshell powder particles

• Published in: Materials today : proceedings 2024-05
• Main Authors: Teja Mohan, K, Rao, Gadudasu Babu, Marshal, Joseph John, Sudharvizhi, M, Hindu, M, Varsha, G, Kumar, Kundavaram Samuel Charan, Roshan, Katikala Karthik, Bannaravuri, Praveen Kumar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ashoka seed; Eggshell; Global warm; Mechanical Properties and wear rate; Polymer composites
• ISSN: 2214-7853; 2214-7853
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2024.05.045

Progressions in bio-composites within material-science have encouraged significant strides in eco-friendly technology. In the present study epoxy based polymers composites fabricated with addition of Egg shell and Ashoka seed powder particles by hand lay-up method. The polymer composite fabricated in two compositions that one 100 % epoxy resin as polymer and second 80 % polymer and 20 % reinforcement. The reinforcements such as Egg shell and Ashoka seed powder particles are used at various percentage that 20:0, 14:6 and 10:10 respectively. The tensile and impact strength and hardness were tested as per standard, and also wear resistance was assessed using a pin-on-disk machine, and moisture absorption capacity was examined over a ten-day period. Results showed that the highest tensile strength (PEA-2 sample – 32.9 N/mm2) and hardness (18 MV) were achieved in the composite containing optimal proportions of ESP and ASP. Additionally, the PEA-3 sample exhibited superior impact strength (31.75 kJ/m2) due to increased energy absorption. Lower wear rates that in form of weight loss (0.18 g) was observed in the PEA-2 sample, attributed to enhanced load-bearing capacity and the formation of a lubricant layer. However, moisture absorption increased steadily over six days, with the highest absorption recorded in the PEA-3 sample, primarily due to the higher ASP content. It commendably expresses the message that the study highlights the potential of using natural waste materials in polymer composites and provides insights into improving material properties for several industrial applications.