Novel epoxy-carbonized coconut shell nanoparticles composites for car bumper application

The structure and mechanical properties of carbonized coconut shell nanoparticles (CSnp) reinforced epoxy composite have been evaluated to establish the possibility of using the composite as a new material for automobile car bumper application. Epoxy resin of the type LY556 was blended together with CSnp at 5-25wt%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical test, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were examined. SEM morphology reveals adhesion between CSnp and polymer matrix at low wt%CSnp while at higher weight percent of CSnp agglomeration of CSnp was observed. The addition of CSnp at 25wt% produced the optimal hardness values of 26.35VHN, tensile stress of 338.75MPa, and flexural strength of 156MPa, while at 10wt% CSnp produced optimal impact energy value of 5.71J. The developed epoxy composite when compared with two existing Toyota models showed improved impact energy at break of 10.5% over Big Daddy Model and 37.45% over Carina model under the same testing conditions.