Tribological and Mechanical Performance of Epoxy Reinforced by Fish Scales Powder

The study was conducted to use fish scales powder as animal biomass to prepare epoxy composites. Fish scales powder is beneficial in reducing environmental pollutants. The fish scales powder was added to the epoxy matrix for improving the interfacial bonding between the scales and the epoxy matrix. However, a direct method was used to prepare epoxy composites, and samples were cut according to ASTM standards for mechanical and tribological tests. Interfacial interaction between the fish scales powder and epoxy was investigated by FTIR and SEM. It was found that the fish scales powder contents affect the mechanical properties and tribological behaviour of produced composites. Compared to pure epoxy, the load of 10 wt.% fish scales powder increased the tensile strength by 16.0%. As well as, the coefficient of friction was reduced by 16.0% and wear resistance was enhanced by 48.58%. The improvements in the performance of composites are contributed to the hydrogen bonding formed between fish scales powder and epoxy matrix.