INFLUENCE OF FRUIT SHELL PARTICULATE ADDITION ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES, WATER ABSORPTION AND BIODEGRADABILITY OF NATURAL FIBER BASED COMPOSITES

Natural composites are increasingly attracting attention for industrial applications due to their lightweight properties. This study focuses on the development of a novel composite incorporating natural fiber and fruit shell particulates. The composites were prepared using Terminalia catappa fiber (IAF) and fruit shell particulates (SP) derived from Indian almond through the traditional hand lay-up technique. The effects of shell particulates on the physical properties of the composites were examined. Four composite variants were fabricated: S0 (Epoxy/IAF), S1 (Epoxy/IAF/3 vol% SP), S2 (Epoxy/IAF/6 vol% SP), and S3 (Epoxy/IAF/9 vol% SP). Tests were conducted to evaluate the tensile, flexural, impact strength, and hardness, as well as water absorption and biodegradability properties of the developed composites. Findings indicated that S3 composites exhibited superior strength due to the incorporation of SP. Additionally, the same composites demonstrated the lowest moisture absorption and degradation rates, attributed to the reinforcing effects of SP. Consequently, the S3 composite appears to be a suitable candidate for structural, automotive, and construction applications.