Utilization of granite powder as filler in epoxy phenol cashew nut shell liquid-toughened epoxy resin for impact and compression strength

Granite powder, a waste product generated while sizing granite slabs has been posing problems of disposal. The purpose of this study is to make a meaningful utilization of granite powder as the filler in epoxy phenol cashew nut shell liquid (EPCNSL)-toughened epoxy matrix. The properties under consideration are impact and compression. Composites are made with varying proportions of granite powder in pure epoxy and EPCNSL-toughened epoxy matrix system. The impact strength is determined by using an Izod impact tester. The compression properties are measured on a computerized universal testing machine according to ASTM standards. A comparison of the properties of the composites filled with untreated and treated granite powder establish that the treatment of granite powder imparts better reinforcing properties.