Coconut-Shell-Based Fillers for Partial Eco-Composites

Eco-natural fiber filler-reinforced polymer composites have recently gained importance in various applications such as building materials and automotive components. Based on these, the coconut-shell-filled, recycled epoxy partial ecocomposites were produced by the hand lay-up method. The surface morphology and the mechanical properties of the composites were examined. The results showed that the uniform distribution of the coconut shell particles in the microstructure of the polymer composites is the important factor responsible for improving the mechanical properties. The coconut shell particles added to the epoxy polymer improved the rigidity and hardness values of the composites. The addition of coconut shell particles to epoxy matrix increases the tensile strength up to a maximum value of 25 wt%coconut shell particles (CSF)p and 15 wt%CSAp. It was established that the coconut shell ash (CSA) particle additive introduced in epoxy samples enhances the stabilization and increases the temperature of the maximal decomposition/destruction rate.