Experimental Investigation on the Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Caesalpinia Decapitala Shell Epoxy Composites

Abstract

In the present study a comprehensive analysis of the mechanical properties and tribological behavior of an epoxy-based composite reinforced with Caesalpinia Decapetala (CD) Shell were investigated. Caesalpinia Decapetala is available in abundance all over the world, especially in Ethiopia, particularly in East and West Oromia near West Harar. The seeds from Caesalpinia plant are extracted, and made it in powder form by using a coffee gridding machine and sieving it to 100-105µm. Four types of composites were prepared by varying the Caesalpinia Decapetala shell content by 0, 10, 20 and 30 vol.%. Open mold casting technique with the assistance of magnetic stirrer is used to fabricate the samples. Further, composites were mixed for 10, 30, and 60 minutes by using a magnetic stirrer for each percentage composition of the composite sample and trimmed according to ASTM standards. Physical characterization, including density and void content, was, performed. Additionally, mechanical behavior, including compression, tensile, impact, and hardness tests, are, carried out according to ASTM standards. Furthermore, dry sliding wear tests were performed by varying the applied load (30, 40 and 50 N), sliding velocity (5 m/s) and sliding distance (3, 4 and 5 km). The mechanical test results show that a 30 percent Caesalpinia Decapitala composition mixed for 60 minutes with a magnetic stirrer has a high Vickers hardness of 150.8 HN, a compression strength of 64 MPa, the tensile strength is 62MPa at 20% of ECD composition and, a high-energy absorption of 7.5J during impact testing at 30% of ECD composite. In addition, the water absorption capability of the produced composite material was examined, and, the results show that when compared to all compositions for 24,48,72,96,120 164, 188, 212, and 236 hours, less water is absorbed in 10%. Experiments on dry sliding wear tests reveal minimum wear rate and coefficient of friction for composites with 30 vol.% of Caesalpinia Decapetala depicting an increase in wear resistance as compared to other compositions. Statistical tools such as Taguchi Grey Relation Analysis and Artificial Neural Network were utilized to validate the wear results. Finally, SEM and EDS are used to characterize the morphological and physiochemical structure of the synthesized composite.In The Present Study A Comprehensive Analysis Of The Mechanical Properties And Tribological Behavior Of An Epoxy-Based Composite Reinforced With Caesalpinia Decapetala (Cd) Shell Were Investigated. Caesalpinia Decapetala Is Available In Abundance All Over The World, Especially In Ethiopia, Particularly In East And West Oromia Near West Harar. The Seeds From Caesalpinia Plant Are Extracted, And Made It In Powder Form By Using A Coffee Gridding Machine And Sieving It To 100-105??M. Four Types Of Composites Were Prepared By Varying The Caesalpinia Decapetala Shell Content By 0, 10, 20 And 30 Vol.%. Open Mold Casting Technique With The Assistance Of Magnetic Stirrer Is Used To Fabricate The Samples. Further, Composites Were Mixed For 10, 30, And 60 Minutes By Using A Magnetic Stirrer For Each Percentage Composition Of The Composite Sample And Trimmed According To Astm Standards. Physical Characterization, Including Density And Void Content, Was, Performed. Additionally, Mechanical Behavior, Including Compression, Tensile, Impact, And Hardness Tests, Are, Carried Out According To Astm Standards. Furthermore, Dry Sliding Wear Tests Were Performed By Varying The Applied Load (30, 40 And 50 N), Sliding Velocity (5 M/S) And Sliding Distance (3, 4 And 5 Km). The Mechanical Test Results Show That A 30 Percent Caesalpinia Decapitala Composition Mixed For 60 Minutes With A Magnetic Stirrer Has A High Vickers Hardness Of 150.8 Hn, A Compression Strength Of 64 Mpa, The Tensile Strength Is 62mpa At 20% Of Ecd Composition And, A High-Energy Absorption Of 7.5j During Impact Testing At 30% Of Ecd Composite. In Addition, The Water Absorption Capability Of The Produced Composite Material Was Examined, And, The Results Show That When Compared To All Compositions For 24,48,72,96,120 164, 188, 212, And 236 Hours, Less Water Is Absorbed In 10%. Experiments On Dry Sliding Wear Tests Reveal Minimum Wear Rate And Coefficient Of Friction For Composites With 30 Vol.% Of Caesalpinia Decapetala Depicting An Increase In Wear Resistance As Compared To Other Compositions. Statistical Tools Such As Taguchi Grey Relation Analysis And Artificial Neural Network Were Utilized To Validate The Wear Results. Finally, Sem And Eds Are Used To Characterize The Morphological And Physiochemical Structure Of The Synthesized Composite.