Investigation of thermal, mechanical, flammable and electrochemical properties of biomass derived carbon/epoxy resin composites

This study investigates the thermal, mechanical, fire retardant and electrochemical properties of carbon (CPC) derived from coco peat, an agricultural biomass, reinforced Diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA) epoxy resin composite. Composites were prepared by integrating1, 3 and 5 wt % of carbon with DGEBA resin. Both CPC and DGEBA - CPC composites were analysed by Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) techniques. Thermal stability of CPC and composites were examined by Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and results show that CPC is highly stable and DGEBA-5 wt % CPC composite withstand temperature up to 375°C and produces 15% char residue at 900°C. Mechanical performances such as tensile strength and hardness were tested in accordance with ASTM D3039 and ASTM D2240 standards. Flammability of CPC-DGEBA composites by UL-94 burning test indicate that 5 wt % CPC composite possesses improved fire retardancy with V 2 rating having a LOI value of 26.2. Electrochemical performances of CPC and composites were evaluated by Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) studies and results prove the current carrying ability of CPC and composites.