Hybrid polymer matrix development using cashew nut shell liquid as an additive into epoxy resin

Abstract

Fossil fuel based thermo-setting resin, i.e., epoxy has been widely used because of its lower shrinkage due to the absence in release of volatile substances during the curing process. Even though epoxy has several advantages, the mechanical and thermal properties like flame retardancy, rigidity and toughness has to be improved in order to enhance its robustness for applying it in the wide range applications. The necessity in cutting down the fossil fuel derived epoxy resin has paved the way for formulating the new hybrid resin by blending epoxy resin with one such agricultural waste by product, Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) as an additive. By the way using CNSL into the hybrid polymer development, the socio-economic challenges of rural population as well as the economical benefits by reduced dependency on petroleum derivatives can be achieved. In order to improve the mechanical and thermal behaviour of the composites prepared using this hybrid polymer as a resin, a very small percentage of aluminium (Al) micro (2.5 wt.%) and nano (0.5 wt.%) particles are added. Present work is focussed on the development of hybrid polymer matrix by blending different wt. % of CNSL and epoxy along with Al micro and nano particles. Uniformity in chemical composition through out the blend has been ensured by optimizing the stirring time, stirrer rpm, and mixture temperature to have a constant viscosity of the particular mixture ratio of the blends. During the process of hybrid polymer development, the proper mixture ratio of epoxy resin and CNSL has been identified for the tailored need of mechanical and thermal properties. newline