Manufacturing Cum Evaluation of Environmentally Benign Composites

Composites are the combination of matrix and reinforcement material which give better mechanical and physical properties than their individual counterparts. The project develops technology to manufacture sustainable composite materials that are eco-friendly with an additional focus on economy. Taking this into account the work focuses on preparation of green composite by combining two elements to make them resistant in wet environments and then testing its properties. The mixture used was metal scrap and epoxy resin as the matrix binder. The metal scrap was taken in the form of waste chips generated due to milling and turning. Epoxy is used since it offers medium viscosity and eventually superior mechanical properties for lamination applications. Further, the manufactured composites were tested for properties like tensile strength, bending and moisture. Results indicate the manufactured green composites have varying tensile and bending strengths depending upon the types of combinations used. Ultimately the manufactured green composites were better in terms of strength, lighter in weight, lower in cost and also mainly environmental friendly. The large-scale production and actual usage in practical application of the same can be next step towards sustainable manufacturing and environmental friendly products