Production and Evaluation of the Impact Strength of Snail Shell Reinforced Epoxy Composite

Particulate-filled polymer composites are becoming quite attractive because of their low cost and wide application. Nowadays shells of arthropods and mollusks are widely used as reinforced materials due to their availability and impact mechanical properties. This study focused on theproduction and evaluation of impact strength of snail shell reinforced epoxy composite and as well given concrete information and recommendation on usage with respect to appropriate filler concentration and impact strength resistance. Production was carried out according to the percentages of filler which are 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% respectively. ASTM standard method forcharpy impact strength tests was used to determine the impact resistance of samples. From the result, the neat epoxy gave 11.344 while 10% and 20% filler concentration gave 7.519 and 7.056 KJ/m² respectively. The results showed that the impact strength of snail shell reinforced epoxy composite, decreases with increase in filler concentration. Composite materials are generally used for building, bridges and structures such as boat, hulls, swimming pool panels and shower stalls.