Comprehensive investigation on mechanical properties of mango seed shell short fiber-reinforced epoxy based polymer composites

The mechanical properties of discarded Mango Seed Shell Fiber (MSF)-reinforced epoxy composites are studied in this work. MSF, which was obtained through agricultural wastes, was added to the epoxy matrix in varying weight fractions viz., 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% using the hand lay-up method. The outcome shows that the best mechanical performance is reached at the 15% MSF content, i.e., the tensile strength of 29.35 MPa and tensile modulus of 758 MPa, an improvement of 24% in comparison with the unreinforced (neat) epoxy. The modulus and flexural strength were 2962 MPa and 48.13 MPa for 15% MSF content which was 68% and 42% more than neat epoxy. The highest impact strength of 75.93 J/m for 15% MSF which corresponds to 148% higher than the neat epoxy, and the hardness was between 47 RHN and 56 RHN and was maximum for 10% MSF. The novelty of the current study lies in the utilization of mango seed shell fiber, which is an underutilized agro-waste product that has been utilized systematically as a reinforcing element in epoxy composite and the determination of optimal fiber loading by thorough mechanical testing is accomplished in the present work. The results provide the base of mechanical performance data of MSF-reinforced eco-composites and confirm its opportunities as sustainable and cost-efficient reinforcement for lightweight and environmental-friendly structural applications.