Effect of carbonising temperature on mechanical response of coconut endocarp ash reinforced epoxy composites

Coconut endocarp, an abundantly available agricultural waste in coastal areas is a potential filler in polymer matrix composites. Although dried endocarp powder has been directly used in composites, carbonization of the endocarp to ash alters the mechanical properties offered. In this work, the effect of the carbonizing temperatures has been explored. The carbonization was carried out at 600ºC and 800ºC followed by XRD analysis of the carbonized particles. Epoxy matrix composites with 0, 5 and 10 wt.% of the endocarp ash carbonized at the two temperatures were fabricated. The mechanical characterization of the composites revealed that the tensile strength, tensile modulus, hardness, flexural strength and modulus were higher for the carbonizing temperature of 800ºC as compared to that at 600ºC. With increasing filler content, there was an increase in the tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength and modulus. 800°C emerged as the suitable carbonizing temperature.