Characterisation of Ovis Aries Horn and Cocos nucifera Shell Particles for Hybridisation in Polymeric Composites

Abstract

The suitability of ovis aries (sheep) horn and Cocos nucifera (coconut) shell particles as hybrid reinforcement in polymeric composites was investigated in this work. Ovis aries horn and Cocos nucifera shell particles were prepared and characterised using TGA, XRF, FTIR, XRD, and SEM analyses. Both samples exhibited appreciable thermal stability as revealed by the TGA curves. XRF analysis featured varied proportions of similar elemental and oxides constituents known to possess good reinforcement characteristics, while SEM micrographs revealed that NaOH treatment of Cocos nucifera shell particles had desirable effect on the fibres surface. XRD patterns of the NaOH treated Cocos nucifera shell particles featured minor peak around 2θ = 35^o, suggesting a little alteration in crystallinity. FTIR analysis established the presence of amine groups and disulphide bond in the ovis aries horn, and potentially reactive carbonyl, carboxyl, and hydroxyl groups in the Cocos nucifera shell. Removal of waxy materials, part of lignin and hemicellulose, and reduction in hydroxyl groups of Cocos nucifera shell particles after NaOH treatment were confirmed by FTIR analysis. Hence, the potential of hybridising ovis aries horn and Cocos nucifera shell particles as reinforcement in polymeric composites development is high.