Mechanical and morphological characterization of carbonized egg-shell fillers/Borassus fibre reinforced polyester hybrid composites

In this study, mechanical characteristics of Borassus flabellifer fruit fibre reinforced polyester composites with varying weight percentages of the carbonized eggshell bio-fillers were analyzed for its tensile, flexural and impact strength. To establish the success of carbonization of egg-shell, Energy Dispersive x-ray Spectroscopy analysis was carried out. The fibres were initially treated with sodium hydroxide for duration of 1 h, 2 h and 3 h and were later treated with potassium permanganate. Tensile strength of treated fibres were determined and compared with untreated fibres. The fibre with the highest strength was selected as reinforcement for the composites. Scanning Electron Microscope was used to evaluate the changes on the surface of fibres due to the chemical treatment. Composites fabricated were tested for its mechanical properties. Results show that the addition of bio-filler had a positive effect on the mechanical properties of the composites till a certain proportion of bio-filler after which it dropped. The fractured surface was analysed using a Scanning Electron Microscope to understand the various modes of failure.