Synthesis and characterization of hybrid polypropylene matrix composites reinforced with carbonized Terminalia catappa shell particles and Turritela communis shell particles

The use of natural fillers in plastics to substitute conventional synthetic fibres is effective and economical. Eco-friendly bio-composites polypropylene matrix composites reinforced with blended carbonized Terminalia catappa (almond) shell particles and Turritela communis (periwinkle) shell particles were synthesized by mould casting. Five to twenty-five weight per cent of reinforcement was used and the microstructure, water absorption and mechanical properties of developed hybrid composites were evaluated. The microstructure showed a fairly uniform distribution of reinforcement particles in the matrix. The hybrid composite exhibited the best mechanical properties in terms of ultimate tensile strength (8.26 MPa), hardness (134.22 BHN), impact energy (21.81 J), and flexural strength (6.89 MPa) at 15 wt. % filler concentration. These indicate the efficacy of hybridization and the synergy between tropical almond shell ash and periwinkle shell particulates.