Mechanical properties and sliding wear behavior of jatropha seed cake waste/epoxy composites

Jatropha seed cake particulate (JSCP)-reinforced epoxy composites were prepared by open mold resin casting method. The influence of JSCP on mechanical and dry sliding wear properties of epoxy was experimentally investigated as per the ASTM standards. Dry sliding wear test was conducted for these composites at a constant sliding distance of 500 m with different sliding velocities and applied loads by a pin-on-disc wear test machine. The results revealed that incorporation of JSCP decreased the specific wear rate and coefficient of friction while improving the mechanical properties. The composite reinforced with 40 wt% of JSCP exhibited better mechanical properties and wear behavior compared to the neat epoxy and other compositions of JSCP/epoxy composites. The results of this study indicate that jatropha seed cake powder can be used as biosolid lubricant filler for epoxy.