Tensile characterization of hybridized snail shell filler/glass fibre epoxy composite

Abstract

Studies into the use of eco-friendly materials in composite production have been conducted, because of the environmental risks posed by synthetic materials. In this study, the tensile characterization of a snail shell filler/glass fiber composite was evaluated. During the composite production, glass fiber was partially replaced with 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10% wt. (percent) snail shell filler. The hand lay-up method was used to create all of the composite samples. The tensile properties of the produced composite samples were evaluated in accordance with the ASTM International standard. The filler volume had a significant impact on the composite samples’ tensile strength and tensile elongation, according to the test results.  The maximum tensile strength and tensile length were achieved with a shell filler volume of 4%wt snail, whereas the lowest tensile strength and tensile extended volume were achieved with a shell fill volume of 10% wt. Results of the study have shown that the small volume of snail shell filler is promising and that it can be used to replace glass fibers with potential applications in the field of green composites.