Experimental investigation of mechanical and erosion behavior of eggshell nanoparticulate epoxy biocomposite

Abstract

In the present work, the mechanical and the tribological properties of eggshell nanoparticulate epoxy biocomposite were studied. The nanoparticles of eggshell were synthesized by planetary ball milling technique. Synthesized eggshell nanoparticulate were characterized with the aid of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction analysis, and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy. Fabrication of eggshell nanoparticulate epoxy biocomposite was done by hand lay-up technique with different weight percentages (1 wt%, 2 wt%, 3 wt%, 4 wt%) of eggshell nanoparticles. To examine the solid particle erosion behavior of eggshell nanoparticulate epoxy biocomposite, four different impact angles (30°, 45°, 60°, 90°) and three different velocities (101 m s−1, 119 m s−1, 148 m s−1) were chosen. The effect of eggshell nanoparticles incorporation on the tensile properties, hardness, and the flexural properties was also investigated. The fractured surfaces of the tensile test, flexural test, and erosion test samples were examined with a SEM for morphological analysis. It was found that the eggshell nanoparticulate addition has a fruitful effect on tensile and flexural strength. The maximum tensile strength was found for 2 wt% nanoparticles addition, while the maximum flexural strength was found for 3 wt% of nanoparticles addition. The sand erosion study established a maximum wear rate at 60° of impact angle. The maximum erosion resistance was found in 2 wt% of eggshell nanoparticulate concentration.