Effect of bio waste (conch shell) particle dispersion on the performance of GFRP composite

Abstract

The mechanical properties as well as sustainability of the fibre reinforced composites in the varied environment has need analyzed by researchers with particle dispersion favouring property enhancement. In this present work, crushed conch shell particles are used in composite making. Conch seashells begin harmless to the environment, used in many artistic works has finds its engineering application recently. In this line, conch shell particles of sieve size 600μm and below is dispersed in varying weight percentage (25%, 35%, 45% and 55%) in the making of E-glass fibre epoxy composite by hand lay-up technique. The significance of conch particle addition in the glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite has been evaluated by mechanical characterization and dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). Tests as per ASTM standards are conducted on the prepared GFRP laminate with and without particle dispersion. The impact energy of the laminate with 35% conch particle records a higher value of 29.80J than the laminate without conch particle (11.52J). Whereas, the tensile strength of laminate with 35% conch particle is 405.7MPa with 10% rise than without conch (364.7MPa). The dynamic mechanical analysis revealed the possibility of marginal raise in glass transition temperature (Tg) and reduction in loss modulus (E″ on conch particle addition. The extent of conch particle contribution to the mechanical properties is substantiated by surface morphology. Thus, this work directs the application of conch particle bio-waste as particulate filler in the composite with an ability to enhance property.