Characterization of mechanical and wear properties of Prosopis juliflora thorn powder-filled epoxy nanocomposites

Abstract

The mechanical and wear behavior of agro waste thorn ( Prosopis juliflora [PJ]) derived as a nanoparticle with different weight compositions (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 wt.%) reinforced in an epoxy matrix is investigated in this study. First, the effect of thorn nano epoxy composite is studied under ASTM standards. The results indicated that the nanocomposites with 2.5 wt.% filler have the maximum tensile strength, flexural strength and hardness of the epoxy composite, while those with 10 wt.% filler exhibit a noticeable increase in impact strength and compressive strength. Furthermore, the incorporation of thorn nanoparticles improved the wear resistance. 2.5 wt.% nano PJ thorn composites improved wear resistance by 9.03%. Additionally, the size of the nanoparticles, the fracture surfaces, the crystalline nature, the elements and the compounds in the thorn nanofillers are examined using transmission electron microscope, field emission scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.