ABSTRACT:
This study focuses on the evaluation and enhancement of mechanical properties of lightweight hybrid composites composed of E-glass chopped strand fiber and basalt fiber reinforced with an epoxy matrix, incorporating crab shell powder as a natural filler. The primary aim is to investigate how varying filler content—specifically 2.6%, 5.2%, and 7.6% by weight—affects the mechanical performance of the composites. Specimens are fabricated using the hand lay-up method with a curing time of 24 hours. Mechanical tests including tensile, compressive, flexural, and impact strength, as well as hardness, were conducted to evaluate the performance. The results reveal that the addition of crab shell powder significantly enhances the composite’s mechanical behavior, with the 7.6% filler content achieving optimal results: a tensile strength of 164.63 MPa, compressive strength of 17.66 MPa, flexural stress of 281.511 MPa, increased hardness of 58.039 Kg/mm², and toughness up to 13.85 J/mm². These findings suggest that crab shell powder acts as an effective bio-filler, contributing to improved strength and durability, making such hybrid composites suitable for applications in automotive and aerospace industries.
Aim:
The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate hybrid composite materials reinforced with E-glass chopped strand fiber and basalt fiber, using crab shell powder as a natural filler, and to assess the effect of varying filler content on the mechanical properties such as tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, impact toughness, and hardness.
Objective:
The objectives of this study are to fabricate hybrid composites using E-glass chopped strand fiber, basalt fiber, and epoxy resin with varying percentages (2.6%, 5.2%, and 7.6%) of crab shell powder as filler material; to prepare specimens through the hand lay-up method with standardized curing conditions; to conduct mechanical tests including tensile, compressive, flexural, impact, and hardness tests; to analyze the influence of different filler contents on the mechanical performance of the composites; and to identify the optimal composition that offers the best improvement in mechanical properties for potential applications in lightweight structural fields like automotive and aerospace industries.
