Studies of Mechanical, Dynamic Mechanical, Thermal, and Morphological Properties of Pistachio Shell Reinforced <scp>EPDM</scp> Biocomposites

ABSTRACT In the present study, a biocomposite based on ethylene propylene diene elastomer (EPDM) and pistachio shell powder (PSP) is prepared. EPDM is reinforced with PSP in various amounts (0–50 wt%). The obtained biocomposites are investigated in terms of mechanical, dynamic mechanical, thermal, morphological, and water absorption properties. Mechanical properties investigation shows that Young's modulus, yield strength, and hardness of the biocomposite are increased with PSP content, although elongation at break (EAB) values are decreased a little bit, but the values are attractive. The biocomposite with 40 wt% PSP in EPDM shows optimum mechanical performance, EAB being around 200%, beyond which the elongation is decreased drastically (less than 50% EAB for biocomposites with 50 wt% PSP in EPDM). A continuous enhancement of the storage and loss modulus is noticed as the quantity of PSP is increased. For 40 wt% PSP reinforcement in EPDM, the storage modulus and loss modulus are increased by around 414% and 492%, respectively, with respect to those of pure EPDM at 30°C. Again, thermogravimetric analysis shows no thermal degradation of any component of the prepared biocomposite during high‐temperature processing. Uniform distribution of PSP into the EPDM is observed by scanning electron microscopy. EPDM‐based biocomposites with tunable properties can be prepared using this method.