Abstract

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The extensive deforestation of African mesquite trees and the significant waste produced due to their perceived economic value have spurred research into using their solid waste in construction applications. This study investigates the utilization of African mesquite waste pods as a filler in epoxy composites. Composites were prepared using hand mixing with filler particle sizes of 100 μm, 200 μm, and 300 μm, and filler loadings of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 wt%. The composites were assessed for water absorption, tensile strength, hardness, and morphological properties in accordance with ASTM standards. Results demonstrated that African mesquite pod/epoxy resin (AMP/ER) composites exhibited low water absorption with reduced filler content and particle size. Tensile strength reached a peak at 10 wt% filler loading (37.55 MPa), whilst tensile modulus increased with higher filler content but decreased with larger particle sizes, in contrast to elongation, which improved with lower filler content and smaller sizes. Hardness increased with both filler loading and particle size, achieving a maximum of 82.83 Hv at 40 wt% with 100 μm particles. SEM analysis of fractured tensile specimens revealed uniform particle distribution at lower filler content (10 wt%), whereas higher loadings displayed agglomeration and interfacial gaps, explaining the enhanced mechanical properties at lower dosages. These AMP/ER composites possess suitable properties for ceiling board production in building construction.

Keywords: Epoxy; African Mesquite Pod; Water absorption, tensile, hardness and SEM