MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF EPOXY MATRIX COMPOSITES REINFORCED WITH GARLIC PARTICLES

• O. O. Daramola

  3Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, PMB 704, Nigeria

• I. O. Oladele

  Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, PMB 704, Nigeria

• O. S. AKINTAYO

  Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, PMB 704, Nigeria

Epoxy resin with different weight fractions of submicron garlic particles were used to develop epoxy composites. Mechanical properties (tensile, flexural and impact) of the developed composites were characterized. The microstructure of tensile fractured surfaces was examined by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) in order to identify the relevant fracture modes involved. Results showed that the tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength, flexural stiffness and impact strength was enhanced in the composites with the tensile strength, tensile modulus and impact strength experiencing peak values at 8 wt.% garlic loading before decreasing. Flexural strength and stiffness increased in a linear mode while elongation at break was found to reduce slightly in the composites when compared to the neat epoxy resin. Microstructure revealed the brittle nature of the neat epoxy. Individual particles with low degree of aggregation were observed in the composites with lower loading.  However, particles agglomeration was observed in the highly filled composite (10 wt% garlic) resulting in the termination of the linear increase experienced in the tensile strength, tensile modulus and impact strength results. Overall, the test results demonstrate the competency of garlic particles to serve as a reliable, cost effective and efficient reinforcement material for the development of epoxy reinforced composites.

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