Low velocity impact behaviour of recycled mussel shell particles reinforced epoxy composites

In this study, low velocity impact behaviour of the recycled mussel shell particles reinforced epoxy composites experimentally investigated. This study is a new part of a continuous research, which aims to protect the environment against pollution of the waste mussel shells. The mussel shells that were used in the study are biologically defined as Mediterranean mussels. The waste mussel shells recycled by a hammer and a rod mill, respectively. A particle size analysis was done for the recycled mussel shells. According to the particle size analysis results mean diameter of the particles are 74 mu m with 64 mu m standard deviation. Particle reinforced epoxy composite was produced as a plate by vacuum assisted resin infusion molding method. After resin impregnation process finished, curing process started at 80 degrees C for 8 h. Dimensions of the produced composite plate was 650 mm x 310 mm x 10 mm (length x width x thickness). Then, impact specimens were cut from the plate at the dimensions of 100 mm x 100 mm x 10 mm (length x width x thickness) by a table saw machine. Low velocity impact tests were conducted for five specimens for 40 J impact energy. The recycled mussel shell particles reinforced polymeric composite materials showed maximum 36 J absorbed energy according to the test results. Finally, the morphology and the failure modes of the new composites were given in macro and micro scale by the scanning electron microscope analysis, respectively. In conclusion, waste mussel shells have good impact resistance to be used as a reinforcement material in polymeric composites. Moreover, using waste mussel shells in a production is an effective way to protect environmental pollution.