A research on effect of pistachio shell on the mechanical properties of composite material

In the current study, the effect of micro-scale content of natural particle (pistachio shell) on the mechanical properties of polyester matrix composites is experimentally investigated. The particle contents of pistachio shell are 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 wt%. The tensile, flexural, and charpy impact tests were carried out on the moulded composite specimens according to ASTM and ISO standards. Good dispersion of pistachio shell particles in polymer matrix was observed using SEM micrographs. It is observed that the mechanical properties of polyester composite is increased with the increasing of pistachio shell particle content. The highest tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength was obtained at pistachio shell particle content of 10, 5, and 5 wt%, respectively.