Investigation of Thermal Properties of Walnut Shell Reinforced Polymer Composite
Board Location: #139
Discipline: Technology and Engineering
Subcategory: Materials Science
Session: 3
Kennedy Whitfield - Southern University A&M College
In an era characterized by heightened environmental concerns and a growing demand for composite materials across various industries, this research endeavors to address critical issues related to both environmental impact and production costs. Our study explores the potential of agricultural waste, specifically walnut shells, as a reinforcement in polymer composites, thereby tackling the challenges associated with synthetic fillers like carbon nanotubes and graphene. We aim to harness the sustainable properties of walnut shells to reduce environmental harm and lower filler expenses. Walnut shells have recently emerged as a compelling alternative for composite development due to their remarkable attributes, including high strength, modulus, corrosion resistance, toughness, low density, and cost-effectiveness. Their relevance extends to sectors such as automotive and aerospace, where durability, hardness, non-toxicity, and resistance to combustion are highly valued. However, the full utilization of natural fillers has been hindered by compatibility issues with polymer matrices and concerns regarding thermal stability. The core of our ongoing investigation involves the fabrication of epoxy-based composites reinforced with walnut shells, which have been finely ground into particles. We have fabricated composite samples with varying weight compositions (ranging from 10 wt% to 30 wt%, with 5 wt% increments), with the aim of optimizing the material’s properties. Advanced characterization techniques were employed to examine the as-fabricated composites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a uniform dispersion of reinforcements within the matrices. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the complete curing of the pure polymer.Density and porosity measurements were conducted using an Accupyc Ⅱ gas pycnometer, demonstrating that the walnut shell-reinforced polymer composites exhibited reduced densities and porosities with increasing weight compositions of walnut shell reinforcement. In the next stages of this research, the Laser Flash Method will be employed to conduct experiments on thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, and thermal diffusivity. Additionally, Thermo-gravimetric Analyzer (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimeter will be utilized to characterize the thermal stability and glass transition temperatures of the as-fabricated composites. Our research is at an exciting juncture, with promising results indicating that walnut shell-reinforced epoxy composites hold significant potential as efficient thermal insulators. By demonstrating the feasibility of incorporating agricultural waste products as cost-effective and environmentally friendly catalysts in green composite production, we aim to make a substantial contribution to sustainable materials development.As we continue to progress, we anticipate that our findings will have a meaningful impact on advancing the utilization of renewable resources and promoting sustainability within the composite materials industry.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): National Science Foundation, CREST REU,
Faculty Advisor: Dr.Maryam Jahan and Emmanuel Kwaku Aidoo, maryam_jahan@subr.edu
Role: Scholarly article research, sifting using mesh, and sugarcane sample preparation