17th International Fiber and Polymer Research Symposium

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Sustainable Innovation: Hazelnut Shell-Enhanced Polypropylene Composites for Eco-Friendly Automotive Applications

Authors :

Aysu ÇAVUŞOĞLU¹ Naci UYSAL² Melih YAZICI³ Pelin ŞAHİN⁴ İdris KARAGÖZ⁵

1- Polymer Materials Engineering, Yalova University, Engineering Faculty, 77200 Yalova, Turkey. 2- Fompak Ambalaj Ve Poliüretan San. Ve Tıc. A.ş. 3- Fompak Ambalaj Ve Poliüretan San. Ve Tıc. A.ş. 4- Fompak Ambalaj Ve Poliüretan San. Ve Tıc. A.ş. 5- Polymer Materials Engineering, Yalova University, Engineering Faculty, 77200 Yalova, Turkey.

Keywords :

Hazelnut shell،Polypropylene composites،Sustainable materials،Eco-friendly composites،Automotive Applications

Abstract :

This study investigates the incorporation of hazelnut shell (HS) as a filler material in polypropylene (PP) matrices to create eco-friendly and sustainable composites for automotive applications. The hazelnut shells were processed, ground, and blended with PP to form composite materials. Various mechanical and thermal tests were conducted on the resulting composites, revealing significant changes in properties. The hazelnut shell additive not only increased the density but also reduced the Melt Flow Index, indicating decreased flowability. Tensile and flexural strengths were affected, decreasing from 20 MPa to 14 MPa and 24.1 MPa, respectively, after adding hazelnut shells. The Izod impact strength decreased from 40 kJ/m² to 7.03 kJ/m². Thermal properties were influenced as well, with the Heat Deflection Temperature dropping from 95°C to 52°C and VICAT softening temperature decreasing from 140°C to 46°C. DSC analysis revealed changes in the crystal melting temperature from 163°C to 164.5°C. Despite the decrease in some mechanical properties, the composites successfully passed homologation tests, demonstrating their suitability for practical use. The results from these tests, including dimensional stability, temperature cycling, heat effect, and maneuvering loads, confirm the applicability of hazelnut shell-enhanced composites in real-world automotive environments. This study showcases the potential of hazelnut shell-enhanced PP composites as eco-friendly alternatives, contributing to sustainable practices in the automotive industry.