Mechanical properties enhancement of cardanol by hybridization with kenaf/recycled carbon

Cardanol is a novolac phenolic resin derived from cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) with low mechanical properties due to its high brittleness. It is a potential resin for aerospace industry due to its high thermal resistance. In this study, to enhance the mechanical properties of cardanol, it was hybridized with kenaf/recycled carbon to produce biodegradable composites. The mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, and impact strength) of the hybrid composites were determined as per ASTM standards. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of tensile fracture samples were also analyzed. The mechanical results indicate that the hybridization enhances the mechanical strength of the cardanol significantly. The enhancement in tensile strength is 129.7% when cardanol was reinforced with 35wt. % kenaf and 15wt. % carbon. While flexural and impact strength were improved by 37.6% and 104% respectively both when cardanol was hybridized with 15wt. % kenaf and 35wt. % carbon The morphology study suggests that the carbon acts as a layer at the bottom of the mold due to its inhomogeneity and sedimentation.