Mechanical Properties of Alkaline Modified Snail and Groundnut Shells Fillers Reinforced Glass Fiber Epoxy Composites

Abstract

Adequate understanding of the mechanical characteristics of glass fiber epoxy composites combined with treated groundnut and snail shells fillers is essential for their utilization in the automotive sector. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of fillers volume on the tensile and flexural properties of glass fiber epoxy composites reinforced with a combination of snail shell and groundnut shell fillers (particulate). The particulates were treated with 5% sodium hydroxide solution concentration for 1 hour. All the composite samples were manufactured utilizing the hand lay-up technique. Thereafter, their bending and tensile behaviors determined in accordance with ASTM International approved standards. The findings indicate that organic fillers quantity had a significant impact on the tensile strength, tensile strain, and flexural strength of the composite material (P ≤ 0.05). it was noted in the results that the composite units tensile strength and tensile elongation ranged 213.9 to 252.21 MPa, and 33.38 to 40.9%, respectively. Similarly, the bending strength of the composite samples varied from 45.3 to 58.7 MPa. The results depicted that the incorporation of treated snail shells and groundnut shells as fillers presents a promising alternative for partially replacing glass fiber in the manufacturing of high-tensile-strength composites.