Effect of Carbonization of Orange Peel Particulate-Reinforced Polymer Composites

Carbon black is the most promising filler material in polymer industries for fabrication of composite materials because of its unique properties and strength. In the present study, carbon black particles are developed from orange peel particulates (OPP) by pyrolysis approach at different carbonization temperatures (400oC, 600oC and 800oC). The raw and carbon black OPP materials are used as reinforcement to fabricate epoxy composites that are evaluated for mechanical and morphological properties following ASTM standard. Proximate analysis reveals that the amount of carbon content increases significantly (up to 74.42 % at 800°C) due to the carbonization. Tensile and flexural strength increase with increasing carbonization temperature and maximum value is observed in case of 800°C. SEM observations indicate good interfacial bonding between filler and matrix materials. Weight of the composite is reduced due to carbonization of raw material. TGA study of carbon black material reveals that the thermal stability increases with increase in carbonization temperature.