Novel evaluation of flammability attenuation and thermal characteristics elevation potential of polymer composites reinforced with cucumeropsis mannii shell granules

Abstract

In recent times, effort has been made by researchers all over the world to develop composite materials that will be eco-friendly and affordable. Based on this, this study focused on the development of improved thermal and fire properties of the polymer (epoxy) using Cucumeropsis mannii shell granules (CMSg). Epoxy + 20wt% CMSg composite was produced by solution casting method. The thermogravimetric (TGA) and cone calorimetry were used to determine the relevant characteristics of the composite. The temperature of thermal maximum decomposition was shifted to a higher temperature for the composite. The epoxy released 6.63% heat during burring and 6.73% mass loss over that of the developed composite. About 58.93% delayed time was obtained for the composite before burning commenced. The results show that the tested material can be used for increasing the thermal and fire properties of epoxy matrix composites for engineering application.

Keywords

• Cucumeropsis mannii shell granules
• Thermogravimetric analysis
• Cone calorimetry
• Flammability attenuation