Investigation in to Mechanical and Tribological Behavior of Pistachio Shell Powder (Pistacia Vera) Reinforced Epoxy Composite

Abstract

In my present investigation on pistachio shell powder filled epoxy composite with filler content from 5wt. % to 20 wt. % were developed required to improve the tribological and mechanical properties of epoxy. Tensile strength and impact strength were calculated experimentally. Tribological wear test were performed utilising pin-on-disc machine. Composites having 5wt. %, 10wt. %, 15wt. %, and 20wt. % of pistachio shell powder filled epoxy was developed in the laboratories with the help of a self-designed mould. All Tests were conducted accordance to ASTM standards. It has been discovered that as the percentage of filler material increases from 5wt. % to 20wt. %, the mechanical and tribological behaviour of composite becomes superior. The improvement of these properties is due to robust adhesion between the pistachio shell powder and epoxy which may have aroused due to development of an interphase among the rubber wood powder and epoxy-matrix.