Mechanical, thermal, and morphological behaviour studies on coconut shell and palm kernel filler biocomposite

Abstract

In the present work, the composite materials were prepared from coconut shell powder, palm kernel powder, and epoxy resin. The addition of coconut shell powder was considered when preparing the composite samples, and mechanical properties such as tensile strength, hardness, impact, bending strength, physical behavior water absorption, as well as morphological tests, were conducted using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope, and Thermogravimetric Analysis for both the prepared composite material boards and chipboard. The minimal variation of tensile stress and percentage of elongation between the 50 % coconut shell powder composite material and the wooden chipboard material is 4,44 MPa and 1,00 %, respectively, according to the findings of experimental tests.The lowest compressive stress and hardness variations between coconut shell powder composite material and wooden chipboard are found to be 0,14 MPa and 3,2 MPa, respectively. It is determined that the composite materials made from waste shell powders and epoxy resin are suitable for applications such as panel boards, automotive interior dashboards, roof sheets, and doors.