Functional and morphological characterization of hybrid particulate reinforced polyester composites

Abstract Functional and morphological characterization of wood charcoal/periwinkle shell (WC/PWS) particles hybrid reinforced polyester matrix composites was successfully developed. Characterization tools such as energy dispersive x-ray spectrophotometer (EDXRF), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with EDS elemental detector were used to examine the composites developed. The EDXRF identified iron, copper, zinc, calcium and CaO, Fe2O3, CuO, ZnO as primary elements and oxide constituents of WC. Also, calcium, strontium, iron and CaO, SrO, Fe2O3 and Al2O3 as the basic elements and oxides contents of PWS. It is evident that these elements and oxides constituents influenced significantly the mechanical properties of reinforced polymer composites. The EDS mapping also confirmed the major elements identified by EDXRF analysis. Hybrid composites reinforced with 75/25 and 50/50 WC/PWS ratio show stronger interfacial bonding and interlocking due to even dispersion of the filler particles revealed by SEM images. The functional assessment revealed minor shifts in the frequency bands of functional groups present in the unreinforced polyester matrix largely due to interactions of the hybrid fillers with the matrix.