Property Evaluation of Raffia Seeds Reinforced Epoxy Matrix Composite

This research centred on property evaluation of raffia seeds reinforced epoxy matrix composite.Raffia seeds particulates are potential reinforcement materials for making cost-effective polymer-based composite. This paper presents the results obtained from a study of physical and mechanical properties of raffia palm particulates (RPPs) derived from the raffia palm tree (Raphiafarinifera).

The raffia seeds were crushed and grinded into powdered particles, separated and sieved to 36µm particle size was used. The matrix phase is epoxy which is a mixture of epoxide and polyamine. Polyamine serves as the hardener for this type of epoxide used. The mixing ratio is 2:1. This ratio is selected based on manufacturer specification. The composites were developed by mixing the epoxy and the Raffia Seed Particles (RSP) in predetermined proportion of: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30.wt%. Each mixture is poured into plastic moulds that specify the samples for wear, tensile, flexural, impact and soil burial tests. The mixture is allowed to cure at an average of 4 hours per batch although some of the samples showed variation in curing time. The evaluation of mechanical properties shows that there is significant increase in the strength of epoxy reinforced raffia seed composite with notable increment at 20wt% to 30wt% of RSP.