MICROSTRUCTURAL AND TENSILE CHARACTERIZATION OF EPOXY COMPOSITES REINFORCED WITH SYNTHESIZED MANGIFERA INDICA SHELL ASH (MISA) AND COW BONE ASH (CBA) PARTICULATES
Keywords:
Microstructure, Tensile Characterization, Epoxy Composites, Mangifera Indica Shell Ash (Misa), Cow Bone Ash (Cba)Abstract
The increasing demand for eco-friendly and cost-effective materials has driven research into composites reinforced with natural fibers from agricultural waste. This study investigates the microstructural and tensile characterization of epoxy composites reinforced with synthesized Mangifera indica shell ash (MISA) and cow bone ash (CBA) particulates. High-grade EPOCHEM 105 epoxy resin and EPOCHEM 205 hardener were used as the matrix, while Mangifera indica shell ash (MISA) and cow bone ash (CBA) particulates served as reinforcements. Materials were sourced from Anambra and Enugu States, and the reinforcements were synthesized through hydrothermal treatment at 400°C. Composite fabrication employed the hand lay-up method using glass molds, with epoxy and hardener mixed in a 2:1 ratio at 50°C for 30 minutes. The experimental design employed a central composite design (CCD) using response surface methodology (RSM) in MINITAB 16. Mechanical behavior was analyzed using ASTM D3039 tensile tests, while SEM characterization was used to examine particulate distribution, morphology, and phase composition. The tensile test results showed that the developed model for the Bone/Mangifera indica (B/M) hybrid composite was statistically significant with a p-value of (0.000) and an insignificant lack of fit (p = 0.079). The ANOVA indicated a high F-value of (28.90) and a coefficient of determination (R² = 0.9538), confirming that the model explained (95.38%) of the variation in tensile strength. Concentration and time were highly significant (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0033). The optimum conditions yielded a tensile strength of (36.78 N/mm²), yield strength of (36.48 N/mm²), Young’s modulus of (761.574 N/mm²), elongation of (3.28 mm), and energy to break of (3.73 Nm). SEM analysis revealed uniform particle distribution and good interfacial bonding within the composite matrix. The study concludes that MISA and CBA hybrid particulates are effective reinforcements for epoxy composites, offering a promising pathway for valorizing waste into high-performance, sustainable materials for industrial applications. This study highlights the potential of utilizing waste materials like MISA and CBA as fillers in epoxy composites for sustainable material development.
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