Fabrication of palm kernel shell epoxy composites and study of their mechanical properties

The solid waste from palm oil mill industry in Nigeria has been on the increase annually. This study thus investigates the utilization of Palm kernel shells (PKS) bio-agricultural wastes as a filler material for epoxy composite fabrication in which the filler was treated in an alkali solution. The composites were fabricated by employing filler particle size of 150μm and loadings of 5%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% using hand mixing technique. The composites were tested following appropriate ASTM standards for tensile, impact, hardness, morphological and water absorption properties. Fabricated composites showed good mechanical properties with 5-10% filler loadings attaining maximum values which improved on alkali treatment. The water absorption properties of the composites were not encouraging as saturation point was reached just after three days of immersion but, treatment with alkali reduced water absorption rate. SEM analysis of the fractured tensile specimens further highlighted the reason for the improved mechanical properties recorded by the alkali washed palm kernel shell composites due to the removal of natural impurities hence, providing larger surface area for mechanical interlocking. PKS composites therefore, have adequate properties for applications in the automotive industry as vehicle door and as partition panels and particle board products in building construction.