Effects of carbonized particles on microstructure and mechanical properties of epoxy resin

In this study, mechanical properties of epoxy resin were enhanced using carbonized cow bone (CCB) particulates due to changes in its microstructure and reduction in polymer chains’ mobility. The CCB particles were dispersed in epoxy matrix at 40 wt%, 50 wt%, and 60 wt% concentrations for particles size of 150 μm, 300 μm, and 600 μm by mechanical stirring. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used in microstructural study of the CCB and the composites. This study was designed with taguchi in minitab software, and the responses of the mechanical properties were investigated based on interactions and effects of concentration and particles size on the properties. From the results obtained, the mechanical properties varied with particle size but were generally better between 40 and 50 wt% at 150 μm.