The study of the properties of carbonized cassava cortex/epoxy composite for electrical insulation

This work investigated the suitability of cassava cortex particles as reinforcement in epoxy matrix for the development of composite materials for insulation properties (resistivity). The study compared the resistivity of the uncarbonized and carbonized cassava cortex. The cassava cortex was carbonized at 550 degrees C in the absence of oxygen using a heat treatment furnace; after which, they were milled into powder and sieved into 150 mu m, 300 mu m, and 600 mu m. Epoxy resin was used as the matrix; the cassava cortex was varied from 40 to 60 wt%. The effect of carbonization on the properties of the composites was studied. Improved electrical resistivity was obtained for the composites with lower wt% and smaller particle sizes. The uncarbonized samples gave higher resistivity. It was evident from the results that the actual experimental values are in close proximity with the predicted values.