Comparative Study of Mechanical Properties of Orange Peel Filled Epoxy Composites Joined by a Mechanical Fastener

The present investigation explores the effect of mechanical fastening of natural filler (orange peel) based epoxy composite on the tensile, flexural, and impact strength. Open mold casting technique used to fabricate composites with the orange peel of average size 500 µm as filler material and epoxy and as a matrix material. Four compositions of samples were fabricated, having 0, 5 and 10 wt.% of orange peel in the composite. For the examination of joining strength, the composite samples were fastened with single and double nut and bolt. Results suggested that fastened composites samples exhibit slightly low tensile and flexural strength than parental composites but exhibit higher impact energy capability. Bearing and shearing strength was found to be higher, having higher filler content and fastened by double nut and bolts. Highest tensile (42.89 MPa) and flexural strength (48.86 MPa) were observed for O0 samples while O8 sample showed highest impact energy (2.5 J), shear (4.26 MPa) and bearing strength (21.18 MPa). [copyright information to be updated in production process].