Exploitation of Hazelnut (Corylus avellana) Shell Waste in the Form of Polymer–Particle Biocomposite

Abstract Mechanically ground hazelnut (Corylus avellana) shells, a food industry by-product of hazelnuts processing, were tested for use as a composite material filler. Mechanical properties and fracture surface of the composite were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. Polymer composites, i.e. resins filled with microparticles of hazelnut shells, were tested at various concentrations of the filler (5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 wt%). Hazelnut shell microparticles used at low concentration (5 wt%) increased tensile strength. The filler did not considerably influence hardness of the composite. Adhesive bond strength did not significantly change up to 20 wt%. The hazelnut shell microparticles were well wetted with the resin.