Sustainable macadamia nutshell-based particulate composites: Mechanical performance and application potential in structural materials
Article
Article Title | Sustainable macadamia nutshell-based particulate composites: Mechanical performance and application potential in structural materials |
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Article Category | Article |
Authors | Islam, Md Mainul, Bode, Rajesh Reddy, Dumaru, Sanjay Shrestha and Singh, Onkar Deep |
Journal Title | Journal of Sustainable Smart Materials and Structural Systems (JSSMSS) |
Journal Citation | 1, pp. 1-8 |
Number of Pages | 8 |
Year | 2025 |
Publisher | Life Science global Publishing |
Place of Publication | Canada |
Web Address (URL) | https://ssmssjournal.com/index.php/jssmss/article/view/1 |
Abstract | Growing environmental concerns and the global shift toward circular economy practices have accelerated research into bio-composites derived from agricultural by-products. This study presents an initial systematic investigation of ground macadamia nutshell (MNS)-based particulate composites reinforced with epoxy and vinyl ester resins. The effects of filler content (5-30 wt.%) on mechanical performance were evaluated through compressive, tensile, flexural and SEM analyses. Results reveal that composites containing 10-20 wt.% MNS exhibit optimal strength-to-weight ratios, with flexural strength improvements of up to 15% compared to neat resins. Comparative analysis highlights the unique advantages of macadamia nutshells, high density, hardness, and availability as agro-waste, over other natural fillers. These findings demonstrate that MNS composites are not only environmentally sustainable but also mechanically competitive with conventional timber and synthetic composites, offering scalable potential for eco-construction, green building, and structural applications. |
Keywords | structural composites; Macadamia nutshells; bio-composites; epoxy resin; vinyl ester resin; mechanical performance; sustainable materials |
Article Publishing Charge (APC) Funding | Researcher |
Contains Sensitive Content | Does not contain sensitive content |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 401602. Composite and hybrid materials |
Public Notes | Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions. |
Byline Affiliations | School of Engineering |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/zz732/sustainable-macadamia-nutshell-based-particulate-composites-mechanical-performance-and-application-potential-in-structural-materials
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