Ceramic matrix composite reinforced with glass and walnut shell filler: Influence of mesh size on its mechanical properties

Abstract

Fillers are added in the composite in order to not only enhances the properties enhancement but also reduces the fabrication cost. In this regard, various fillers are added in polymers to achieve optimized properties of composite. Walnut shell in the form of powder is now being utilizes as a filler reinforcement in the polymer matrix. The size of the walnut shell filler is one of the vital factors that influences greatly the mechanical properties of the composite. The present study thus shed lights on the reinforcement of walnut shell filler (WSF) of two categories of mesh size viz: 160–180 µm and 280–300 µm in the glass fiber-polyester composite. The weight fraction of WSF was varied from 0 to 15 % with a difference of 5 % in every reinforcement. Samples were fabricated as per ASTM standards and a comparison was made for mechanical properties. It was found that WSF with mesh size 160–180 µm performed well for tensile, flexural and impact behavior whereas WSF with mesh size 280–300 µm showed better improvement in hardness.