Fabrication and Mechanical Testing of "Lokan" Shell Composite

Jeyaraj, Nair Mallor (2010) Fabrication and Mechanical Testing of "Lokan" Shell Composite. [Final Year Project Report / IMRAD] (Unpublished)

PDF Jeyaraj ft.pdf Download (72MB)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the mechanical properties of the composite made of "Lokan" shell powder and polyester to evaluate its suitability to be used as a conventional building material. If found successful, instead of ending up in the trash, the "Lokan" shell would be put to use in fabricating materials made of natural a source that would not cause harm to the environment. This study was based on fabricating the composite specimens with different weight fractions to investigate its mechanical properties. Composites having filler weight fraction of 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% were fabricated. Types of tests done were the tensile test according to ASTM D638, compression test according to ASTM D3410, three point bending test according to ASTM D790, a Rockwell hardness test and a density test according to ASTM D854. When compared to the control specimen of 0%, it was found that the reinforced composites had performed better only in its compressive strength. The reinforced composites did not yield positive results in the tensile test and three point bending test. The hardness test also showed a descending trend in hardness value as filler concentration was increased. Overall, the performance of the composite was dissatisfactory and further improvements are needed to enhance its performance

Actions (For repository members only: login required)

View Item