Investigation of the mechanical behavior of epoxy composites filled with bagasse ash and pistachio shell ash: a comparative study

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a considerable increase in interest in the use of natural fillers in polymer composites because of their potential to improve mechanical qualities while preserving environmental sustainability. This study investigates the potential of utilizing agricultural waste, specifically Bagasse Ash (BA) and Pistachio Shell Ash (PA), as fillers in epoxy composites to enhance mechanical properties and support sustainable material development. Composites were prepared with varying weight percentages (2% to 10%) of BA and PA using an open mold technique. Mechanical properties, including tensile, flexural, and impact strength, were assessed to determine the effect of filler content. Results indicate that BA composites generally outperformed PA composites in tensile and flexural strength, with maximum tensile strength recorded at 6% filler content for both BA (19.16 MPa) and PA (11.49 MPa). The analysis shows that increasing filler content beyond the optimal level leads to decreased mechanical performance due to agglomeration and void formation. The enhanced mechanical properties of these composites suggest their suitability for applications in lightweight structural components, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional synthetic fillers.

Keywords

• epoxy composites
• bagasse ash
• pistachio shell ash
• mechanical properties
• sem analysis