Mechanical, thermal and vibration characteristics of Dosinia exoleta dispersed polymer composites

This work addresses the influence of ball milled Dosinia exoleta powder (5, 10, 15 and 20 v/v %) on mechanical, thermal, and free vibration characteristics of polyester composites. The D. Exoleta (seashell) powder and resin are mixed by mechanical stirrer and fabricated using hand layup technique. Mechanical tests were carried out as per ASTM standards. The size of the particle used is in the range of 6–7 µm found out from particle size analyzer and chemical composition was evaluated using XRD. The results revealed that the mechanical properties were enhanced upto 15 v/v % reinforced composites. Thermogravimetric analysis result shows that with increase in percentage of filler content, the thermal stability of composites also increased. Experimental modal analysis carried out revealed that natural frequency associated modal damping and logarithmic decrement increases progressively with increase in filler content. This work shown that D. exoleta filler can be used to improve properties of polyester composites.