Environment Effect on Impact Strength of Pistachio Shell Filler-Based Epoxy Composites

Abstract

This paper studies the effect of pistachio shell microfillers on the impact strength of epoxy composites. In the present research endeavor, the potential of pistachio shell as natural filler is examined with the epoxy matrix. Pistachio shell filler-based composites were developed by varying the content of fillers 0, 5, 10, and 15% (by weight). Charpy impact test and moisture absorption test were performed on developed composite specimen. An increase in moisture absorption was observed with the incorporation of filler. The effect of different environmental conditions, i.e. water, petrol, and kerosene, on impact strength was also studied, and test results of specimen were compared with the neat epoxy composite. With incorporation of 10% filler, an increase of 36.56% in impact strength was observed under ambient conditions. Further decrease in impact strength was observed for sample subjected to different environmental conditions. Morphological study of all developed specimen was also done which revealed the brittle nature of fractured surface. The study revealed that the pistachio shell filler has got potential to be successful filler in developing epoxy composites.