LAUSR

This paper outlines the preparation and characterization of chitosan (CS) composites reinforced with mechano-chemically activated fly ash (MCA-FA). A series of composite films was prepared by solution casting method with varying filler content. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses showed good compatibility between the CS matrix and MCA-FA. The surface roughness and irregularity in shape of MCA-FA resulted in its efficient mechanical interlocking with the polymer matrix. This, in turn enhanced the mechanical properties of these composites. All the composite films exhibited a higher tensile strength and a lower percentage of elongation-at-break compared with the pure CS film. The highest tensile strength was observed for the composite films with 1 wt% of filler loading and the reduction in the tensile properties at higher filler loading was due to agglomeration of filler and polymer–filler interface debonding. The tensile strength data were analyzed using Nielsen and Pukanzsky models to understand the interface formation and polymer–filler interactions. Thermal properties showed a marginal improvement due to the incorporation of MCA-FA. Overall, this study indicates that MCA-FA could be used as value added filler in polymer matrix composites.