The effect of biological studies of polyester composites filled carbon black and activated carbon from bamboo (Gigantochloa scortechinii)

The development of composites using various filler material increased significantly nowadays. Composite materials need to implement the biological and mechanicals impact in their life cycle. The carbon black (CB) and activated carbon (AC) from bamboo (Gigantochloa scortechinii) were used as filler in polyester composites. CB and AC were pyrolized to 700 degrees C and activated with ZnCl2. The composites were prepared with 40% filler loading. The degradation of the composites CB and AC (mechanical properties) to the soil burial test was determined. Tensile, flexural, impact and mass changes of the buried samples were investigated. The deterioration of the samples affected by the biological attack was confirmed by SEM studies. The assessment was done after 0, 3, 6, and 12 months of the biological exposure and the results were compared with the composites filled CaCO, (commercial filler) and cast polyester resin (as control).