Flexural and thermal characterization of epoxy composites reinforced with nanoparticles synthesized from waste walnut husk with green synthesis method

In this study, it was aimed to achieve an enhanced epoxy by reinforcing with nanoparticles obtained from waste materials with the concept of waste management. Firstly, Ce₂O₃ and SrO nanoparticles were synthesized by the green synthesis method using walnut (Juglans Regia L.) husk extract. Epoxy composites were prepared by reinforcing Cerium (III) oxide (Ce₂O₃) and Strontium oxide (SrO) nanoparticles produced by the green synthesis method at the reinforcement ratios of 0.3, 0.6 and 1% by weight, and it was aimed to determine the flexural strength properties. The chemical and structural compositions of the composites prepared by reinforcing Ce₂O₃ and SrO nanoparticles were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In addition, the thermal stability of nanocomposites was determined using thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). It was observed that a 21% increase occurred in the flexural strength of 0.3%wt SrO composites compared to the neat specimens. The thermal properties of nanocomposites produced by reinforcing the nanoparticles at different ratios compared to the neat specimens have improved.

In TGA analyses, the highest residual mass of 0.1%wt Ce₂O₃ composites was observed as 16.13%, while it was determined as 14.53% in 0.6%wt SrO composites. Thus, it has been observed that nanocomposites obtained with food wastes are suitable for use in the composite industry.