Fabrication and Mechanical Characterization of Walnut/Polyester Composites

Use of natural fibres as reinforcement in polymeric composites has been increased during last few decades. They are potential alternatives to synthetic fibres due to their excellent properties like light in weight, biodegradable, abundant, satisfactory strength etc. Various parts of automobiles are being made by natural fibres that improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. The present study focuses on developing new polymer composites by reinforcing walnut shell particulate on the basis of different weight fractions. Mechanical characterization was done for the developed composites which include evaluation of tensile strength, impact strength and hardness. Different weight fractions of walnut shell particulate were used including 0%, 10%, 15% and 20%. Maximum tensile strength was achieved in case of 10% walnut shell reinforced composites. Maximum impact strength and hardness were achieved in case of 20% and 15% reinforcement respectively.