ABSTRACT
Dikanut shell is an agro waste with huge potential of causing environmental pollution in communities where it is being processed as the kernel is use for food purpose. This research study was carryout to evaluate the mechanical properties of dikanut shell as reinforcement material for epoxy matrix with intension to suit composite materials design in relation to engineering application.
The material for study was locally sources and prepared into two forms namely; the treated dikanut shell composite (TDNS) and the untreated dikanut shell composite (UTDNS). Mechanical properties were carryout to determine their tensile strength, density, hardness and water absorption considering different volumetric fraction ratio of 0%, 10% ,20%, 30% and 40%, with a particle size of 0.3mm.
It was observed that the pure epoxy had a better tensile strength when compared with the different volumetric ratio (0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40%) for both the treated and untreated dikanut shell reinforced with epoxy matrix.
The results obtained were compared to other agro waste composite which shows that the dikanut shell composite has some considerable mechanical properties as to other agro waste by-products that were reinforced with epoxy matrix and has been used in some engineering applications.
