The effect of filler loading on the flexural and compressive properties of untreated and treated chrome tanned leather waste (CTLW) short fibre filled unsaturated polyester composites

The flexural and compressive properties of chrome tanned leather waste (CTLW) short fibre filled unsaturated polyester composite were studied by comparing the performance of untreated (UT) and treated (T) chrome tanned leather waste (CTLW) short fibre filled unsaturated polyester composite as a function of filler loading. The CTLW was manually cut into strips and pulverised two times by passing through the sieve size of 0.25 mm. The pulverised CTLW was treated with 1 wt% concentration of silane coupling agent. Both untreated and treated samples of CTLW short fibre filled unsaturated polyester (UPE) composite were fabricated by using the casting technique in the open mould. The sample was prepared based on 0.5wt%,1.0 wt%, 1.5 wt%, 2.0 wt%, 2.5 wt% and 3.0 wt% filler loading, initial cured at 70°C for 1 hour and post cured at 90°C for 24 hours. The flexural and compressive properties of the composite samples were studied by using Shimadzu AG-X. From the data obtained, it was found out that the mechanical properties reduce as the amount of CTLW increases. Nevertheless, the treated CTLW values are higher compared to the untreated CTLW. The reasons is because of the reduction of the fibre bundle and clump together due to the treatment effect. Technically, the performances of natural fibre based composites are depending firmly on the interfacial strength of the dissimilar polarity of the composite constituents. The development of CTLW based polymer composite revealed the mechanical properties of the composite are quite impressive and applicable for replacing some composite product.