Mechanical, structural, thermal and morphological properties of a protein (fish scale)-based bisphenol-A composites

This paper describes the preparation and characterization of bisphenol-A (an epichlorhydrin) composites reinforced with fish scales (FSs), obtained from typical fresh water fish. The fish scales were treated with heat and acetic acid prior to the fabrication of the composites. The composites were prepared using solution cast technique. Different amounts of fish scales such as, 5, 10, 15 and 20 wt.% were loaded into epoxy to formulate various types of composites. An amine-based curing agent was used for the curing process. The prepared specimens were characterized by mechanical, thermal, structural and morphological analyses. The functional groups of the formulated composites were identified by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis. Result analyses showed that the tensile strength of the composites was decreased as the loading of FS was increased, whereas the flexural strength and flexural modulus were increased by 83 and 568% at 15 wt.% of loading of FS. Thermal characteristics of the composites were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis, whereas the surface morphology of the composites was examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The using of FS can provide the benefit for the use of agro-food waste in the composite manufacturing. Overall, the properties are impressive that can consider FS as a bio-filler for improved flexibility and as a stimulator for degradation of the composites.