Physicochemical characterization of cow horn ash and its effect as filler material on the mechanical property of polyester-banana fibre composite

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to observe the effect of cheap cow horn ash particles (CHAp) filler as a possible replacement for expensive fillers on the mechanical properties of polyester-banana peduncle fibre (BPF) composites were evaluated using standard procedures. Design/methodology/approach Composite was developed using CHAp as a filler component, polyester resin and BPF, with the filler of varying percentage weights (5%, 10%, 15% and 20%), at particle sizes of 125 µm, using hand lay-up technique. The physicochemical properties of CHAp were examined through x-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersion spectrometric analysis (EDS) and density. Mechanical properties of the developed composites were also examined. Findings The results showed that the tensile properties and impact strength of the composites reduced marginally with the incorporation of the cow horn ash particle as a filler. However, the flexural strength of the composites increased progressively with the incorporation of BPF as the fibre loading increased. The major constituents of CHAp were CaO from XRF study, calcite (CaCO3) from XRD study and Ca in EDS study in accordance with the analytical parameter, which showed a major component of calcium. The high value of CaCO3 in CHAp improved flexural and impact strengths of the composites. CHAp presented around solid and irregular shape particle characteristic of most fillers with an average particle size of 98.13 nm. The tensile and flexural strengths of the polyester matrix composites obtained at 7.5% BPF: 7.5% CHAp was 117.87 MPa depicting satisfactory mechanical characteristics. Originality/value Generally, cow horn ash particle exhibited adequate filler component potential in composite production in keeping with its property effects on the mechanical properties of polyester-BPF composites.