Mechanical properties of polymer matrix composites filled with Jatropha Curcas L.

摘要

Polymers and their composites are widely used for their specific properties. This paper deals with composite materials based on Jatropha oil cake. Seeds of Jatropha Curcas L. plant are pressed for gaining oil. A cake is a by-product.A polymer composite was a subject of performed experiments. A continuous phase was in a form of a two-component epoxy adhesive and Jatropha oil cakes were a discontinuous phase (reinforcing particles).Using Jatropha oil cake as the by-product after the mechanical extraction of the oil decreases a price of the composite system. Jatropha oil cake is the waste which is not further utilized.The research was focused on various weight concentrations from 5 to 30%. The volume energy, the strength characteristics and the impact resistance were tested at these composite materials. Results were evaluated by means of the statistical program ANOVA. The filler moisture was 4.59 ± 0.22% WB. Mechanical properties were not changed using of the filler.The negative influence of the filler was ascertained at the tensile strength. The positive influence was ascertained at the impact strength until 20 wt% of the filler concentration.Owing to the high complexity of the failing process of the composite material the grid electron microscopy in the area of the fracture surface was used.