Epoxy composites containing wastes from wine production as fillers

Composites formulated with an epoxy matrix, kenaf fibers, and the residuals of the wine industry are investigated at different compositions. The microstructure and the mechanical properties of the composites have been studied, as well as their moisture uptake. A proper mix design of the composite can allow the waste inclusion as filler either increasing or providing mechanical properties equal to those of the plain matrix. The increase in the water permeability induced by the waste is lower than that of induced by the kenaf fibers. Because of the simple mixing and pretreatment operation, this easy-to-handle recycling route may decrease the overall cost of the material reducing the amount of polymer matrix and offers a valuable alternative to damping. (c) 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46234.