EFFECTS OF WEATHERING AND COMPOSTING OF FISH-SCALE-BASED EPOXY COMPOSITES

Abstract

Bio-composting (BC) and natural weathering (NW) technique studied the degradation analysis of epoxy composites reinforced with fish scale (FS) particles. A fixed amount (15 wt.%) of FS was loaded into the epoxy to formulate the samples. The composites were dumped into the natural biomass waste and kept there for 49 days for BC analysis, whereas other samples were kept onto the soil in an open environment for NW for the same duration. A comparative analysis was performed before and after the degradation process. The samples were characterized by physical, mechanical, structural, thermal and morphological properties. The mechanical properties of the composites were characterized with the use of a universal testing machine and pendulum impact system. The scanning electron microscopy was utilized to observe the morphological properties. The thermal properties of the composites were characterized using thermo-gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Results showed a significant deterioration of the properties after the degradation of the composites. The tensile strength of the composites reduced due to BC and NW by 40 and 47%, respectively. The loss of thermal stability was significant. A significant amount of weight loss was occurred by both processes. The structural and surface property of the polymer was deteriorated.