Muhamadali, S., Abdalrahman, R. (2025). Effect of pistacia khinjuk shell and rapeseed straw particles on mechanical properties and thermal properties of polyester-based composites. , 43(6), 469-486. doi: 10.30684/etj.2025.160301.1960
Sana A. Muhamadali; Rzgar M. Abdalrahman. "Effect of pistacia khinjuk shell and rapeseed straw particles on mechanical properties and thermal properties of polyester-based composites". , 43, 6, 2025, 469-486. doi: 10.30684/etj.2025.160301.1960
Muhamadali, S., Abdalrahman, R. (2025). 'Effect of pistacia khinjuk shell and rapeseed straw particles on mechanical properties and thermal properties of polyester-based composites', , 43(6), pp. 469-486. doi: 10.30684/etj.2025.160301.1960
Muhamadali, S., Abdalrahman, R. Effect of pistacia khinjuk shell and rapeseed straw particles on mechanical properties and thermal properties of polyester-based composites. , 2025; 43(6): 469-486. doi: 10.30684/etj.2025.160301.1960

Effect of pistacia khinjuk shell and rapeseed straw particles on mechanical properties and thermal properties of polyester-based composites

Engineering and Technology Journal
Volume 43, Issue 6, June 2025, Pages 469-486    PDF (3.13 M)
Document Type: Research Paper
DOI: 10.30684/etj.2025.160301.1960
Authors
Sana A. Muhamadali; Rzgar M. Abdalrahman*
Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Dept., College of Engineering, Sulaimani Polytechnic University, Sulaimani, Kurdistan, Iraq.
Abstract
Composite materials are widely employed across various industries due to their superior mechanical and thermal properties compared to metals, offering improved performance with reduced weight. Polyester-based composites, in particular, have gained attention for their versatility and ease of processing, and their properties can be further enhanced by incorporating suitable fillers. In response to increasing environmental concerns, recent research has focused on natural fillers as sustainable alternatives, owing to their biodegradability, low cost, and minimal ecological impact. Despite growing interest, the combined application of underutilized bio-based materials, specifically Pistacia khinjuk (PK) shell particles and Rapeseed straw (RS) fibers within polyester matrices, remains largely unexplored. Addressing this gap, the present study investigates the mechanical and thermal properties of polyester composites reinforced with PK shell particles, RS particles, and hybrids. Fillers ranging from 53–300 µm were used, with PK content from 2 to 20 wt.% and RS at 2 wt.% and 5 wt.% in hybrid systems. Results indicate a 16.2% increase in tensile strength, reaching 40.81 MPa at 2 wt.% PK. In hybrid composites, the highest tensile strength of 37.97 MPa was observed at 2 wt.% RS + 2 wt.% PK. However, bending strength decreased with increasing filler content, while stiffness and thermal insulation improved. Thermal conductivity decreased to a minimum of 0.281 W/m.°C at 20 wt.% PK. SEM analysis revealed more uniform dispersion and stronger matrix adhesion of irregularly shaped PK particles compared to elongated RS fibers. Findings demonstrate that PK and RS are effective, sustainable fillers for enhancing polyester composite properties.

Highlights
  • Pistacia khinjuk and rapeseed straw fillers are attracting interest due to their biodegradability.
  • Mechanical and thermal properties were studied in polyester composites with PK, RS, and hybrid fillers.
  • Adding PK particles improved the tensile strength and thermal insulation of pure polyester composites.
Keywords
Pistacia khinjuk shell; Rapeseed straw; Polyester; Hybrid composite; mechanical properties
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