Properties Evaluation of Snail Shell Nanoparticle Reinforced Epoxy Composites

This study dives into the components of nanoparticles derived from snail shells and explores the mechanical properties of epoxy composites reinforced with these snail shell nanoparticles (SSN) for various engineering uses. The nanoparticles were created using mechanochemical milling techniques and were incorporated into the epoxy in different amounts. To confirm the presence and distribution of the key components, primarily calcium carbonate, we used Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), which also showed the structural stability of the nanoparticles. We evaluated the mechanical properties of the resulting composites, including their wear resistance. The results indicate that adding SSN significantly boosts both mechanical performance and wear resistance when used in amounts ranging from 3–9% by weight, with notable improvements in bending modulus, tensile strength, and hardness. However, when the reinforcement exceeds 9% by weight, we observed nanoparticle clumping, which negatively impacted mechanical performance due to poor interfacial adhesion. These findings highlight the potential of SSN as a sustainable reinforcement material for high-performance polymer composites.