Properties of functionally gradient composites reinforced with waste natural fillers

Abstract

In the present work, an in-house centrifugal casting setup was developed in the laboratory. Waste natural fillers such as soap nuts seeds, Aegle marmelos, and Terminalia chebula were used for the preparation of polyester based composite by using centrifugal casting technique. The influence of filler loading (3%, 6%, 9% and 12% by weight) on the physical-mechanical behaviour of hybrid composites has been performed. The moisture absorption tests were conducted according to the ASTM D 570-98 standards. Hybrid composites with varying composition of polyester, Aegle marmelos, Terminalia chebula, and soap nut seed were fabricated. It has been observed that the maximum water absorption was in the range of 0.23% to 2.12% (weight fraction), the maximum tensile strength 47.83 MPa, hardness 71VH and impact strength 5.8 Joule for the hybrid composite material with 12 wt% Aegle marmelos, 9 wt% Terminalia chebula, 6 wt% soap nuts seed. The minimum specific wear rate (0.00196 mm3/Nm) was obtained for the composition of 12 wt% soap nuts seed and 3 wt% Aegle marmelos.

Keywords

• functionally graded composite materials
• polyester resin
• natural fillers
• mechanical properties