Title
Bio-based composites from waste agricultural residues: mechanical and morphological properties
Authors
R. PRITHIVIRAJAN S. JAYABAL and G. BHARATHIRAJA

Published Volume 49 Issue 1 January
Keywords coir pith, epoxy, mechanical testing, rice husk, SEM

Abstract
This investigation aims to study the potential of waste agricultural residues, such as rice husk and coir pith particulates, as reinforcement in epoxy matrix as an alternative to wood and plastic based components. The composites were prepared using the compression molding technique by varying the particulate weight content from 10 to 50%. The tensile test, flexural test and impact test were performed to study the mechanical properties of the prepared composites and the morphological study in fractured specimens was carried out using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The addition of rice husk and coir pith particulates to reinforce the epoxy composite has considerably increased the mechanical properties of the composites. This investigation suggested the possibility of introducing hybrid bio particulates obtained from waste agricultural residues in polymer matrix composites.