Experimental and computational mechanical analysis of polymer matrix composites reinforced with natural particles

In this study, the composites consisted of epoxy resin reinforced with egg shell, peanut shell and grapeseed powders are investigated. Hardness, tensile and bending properties of composites are evaluated dependent on fiber types and contents. The natural fibers are added into the polymer with three different ratios as 5%, 15% and 25% weight percent and manufactured with traditional moulding process. Neat epoxy is affected negatively some rates which added peanut, egg shell and grapeseed powders into matrix materials. However, 5% eggshell reinforced composites increased the tensile strength by 25% compared to neat epoxy. Powder of egg shell, peanut shell and grape seed are added to neat epoxy. It is occured affirmative result on three bending and hardness strength. The composite material is modeled in a computer aided program. Experimental results are used as input. Computational analysis based on finite element method are performed. Experimental results are compared and close results are obtained.