Fabrication, Mechanical Characterization and FTIR Spectroscopic Analysis of Fish Scale Reinforced Epoxy Composites

This paper describes the processing and characterization of a new class of epoxy matrix composites reinforced with short fibers obtained from the scales of a fresh water fish (Labeo rohita). The functional groups involved in the formation of the resulting composite are identified. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis shows that the formation of hydrogen bonds occurring at the fiber-matrix interface between the oxygen atom of the epoxy and hydrogen atom of the polypeptide chain of fish scale is responsible for the formation of this new class of composites. These composites possess improved micro-hardness and exhibit tensile and flexural strengths marginally different from those of neat epoxy. These composites are expected to find applications as potential materials for conveyor belt rollers, pipes carrying pulverized coal in power plants, pump and impeller blades and also as low cost housing materials.