Synthesis of new bio-activated carbon filled epoxy composites

In this study, active carbons were obtained by carbonizing waste laurel fruit seeds at 500 °C for 1 hour. The surface area of the activated carbon obtained using the ZnCl₂ activator was determined as 873.93 m²/g while the surface area of the activated carbon obtained without using the activator was determined as 1.52 m²/g. Furthermore, in order to obtain epoxy composites with improved mechanical and thermal properties, activated carbons were added to epoxy as filler at rates of 0%, 5% and 10% and bio-based epoxy composites were obtained. Epoxy composites were produced using a mold prepared according to ASTM D638 TYPE I standard. Thermal and tensile properties of filled and unfilled epoxy composites were investigated. LOI values of NE, N5, N10, A5 and A10 composites were determined as 23.48, 24.28, 25.32, 26.55 and 27.06, respectively. Surface hardness and tensile strength of composites containing activated carbon were found to be higher than pure epoxy composite. The tensile test results obtained for NE, N5, N10, A5 and A10 were as follows: elongation percentages at break were 5.37%, 1.80%, 11.59%, 2.21% and 1.61% and tensile stress were 19.12, 11.52, 13.63, 16.45 and 20.33 N/mm².