Leather fibres as reinforcement for epoxy composites: A novel perspective

Abstract

Developing composite materials with better mechanical and electrical properties is the need of hour, particularly in developing and third world countries. Keeping this objective in view, composite material was prepared, in sheet form, containing leather fibres (LF), isolated from used leather products. Reinforced composite material was produced using LF as reinforcing material for epoxy resin (ER) laminates. To impart additional strength, charcoal carbon nano particles (CCNP) were incorporated (LF:ER:CCNP) in the composite. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) of the samples have revealed the chemical nature and thermal stability of the composites, respectively, while SEM pictures revealed the fiber-matrix interface. LF:ER:CCNP possessed good mechanical properties viz., tensile strength, elongation at break (%), flexural strength, hardness etc, in addition to its electrical property. Hence, the composite possess multifunctional applications, it addition to its cost effectiveness and environmental pollution abatement.