Development and comparison of mechanical properties of uni-directional E-Glass/epoxy composite with coal ash as filler

Modern technology requires materials with distinctive combination of properties that is not possible to meet the requirements by conventional metal, alloys, ceramics and polymeric materials. Objectives: The point of this study is to utilize and compare mechanical properties of filler (burnt coal ash remains) and uni-directional E-Glass reinforced epoxy composites. Methods/Statistical Analysis: The composites of different proportions by percentage of matrix (50%, 45%, 40%, 35%), reinforcement (50%, 45%, 40%, 35%), and filler (5%, 10%, 15%) by mass is developed by hand layup method and compared for their mechanical properties. Finding: Mechanical properties of composite material having 50% matrix, 40% E-Glass and 10% burnt coal ash filler is found to have better mechanical property compared to other proportions except for the flexural and water absorption property. Maximum strength of 129.5MPa and 137.53kJ/m2 is observed for tensile and impact performance respectively. Higher Flexural strength was observed for composite with 50% matrix, 40% E-Glass and 5% filler. Higher flexural strength, smax of 187.92MPa is observed. A higher hardness value of range 72-73 RHN is observed with increase in filler percentage. Decrease in E-glass proportion showed a decrease in flexural strength. Lower water absorption percentage was observed with increase in filler proportion. At filler percentage above 10% a drop may observed in tensile, hardness and impact due to decrease in matrix/reinforcement. Application/Improvement: Coal ash which is a major environmental threat can be efficiently utilised to improve mechanical property of E-Glass/Epoxy composite. These reinforced composites have budding application due to low cost, superior characteristics and improved mechanical behaviour.