Development and Characterization of Oyster Shell Powder Filled Polypropylene Composite

Utilizing waste materials in making useful products is a globally increasing trend. This can reduce the cost and environmental issues. In this study, oyster shell powder (OSP) is reinforced as a filler in polypropylene (PP) matrix to make a new composite. The purpose is to improve fire retardant properties of PP as a result of OSP reinforcement. Mechanical, fire retardant and water absorption properties of the new composite have been studied in this research. Concentration of OSP reinforcement in PP has been varied by wt% and its effect on the above mentioned properties has been observed. SEM (scanning electron microscopy) images of tensile and bending fractured surfaces have been taken to observe the failure mechanism during mechanical tests. An increase in the fire retardancy has been observed as a result of the OSP reinforcement while tensile strength decreased. Stiffness also increased with the addition of OSP in PP.