Tidal seashell waste represents an abundant, underutilized marine resource that poses environmental disposal challenges but offers potential as a sustainable bio-filler in epoxy composites. This study investigates its incorporation into bio-based epoxy systems to reduce reliance on non-renewable materials and promote circular economy objectives. Processed seashell powder was blended into epoxy formulations, and response surface methodology was applied to optimize filler loading and resin composition. Comprehensive characterization included tensile strength, impact resistance, hardness, density, and thermal conductivity testing, along with microscopy analysis to evaluate filler dispersion and interfacial bonding. The optimized composites demonstrated improved hardness, density, and thermal stability while maintaining acceptable tensile and impact strength. Microscopy confirmed uniform filler distribution at optimal loadings but revealed agglomeration and void formation at higher contents, which can reduce interfacial bonding efficiency. These findings highlight the feasibility of valorizing marine waste as a reinforcing filler in sustainable composite production, supporting environmental goals and offering a scalable approach for the development of durable, lightweight materials suitable for structural, coating, and industrial applications.

In the research for this contribution, the use of layered hybrid composites as materials for ballistic armor has been tested. As part of the study, ballistic tests of glass/aramid/carbon fiber laminated comp osite plates at different reinforcing angles, in various numbers and thicknesses were carried out and the results analyzed. Eight hybrid composite laminates, of various thicknesses 200 × 200 mm in size were produced by the hand lay-up method at angles of 0°, +/−45°. Plain and twill fabrics were used to analyze the ballistic performances at various fiber reinforcing angles. Ballistic tests were carried out at the Elazig Special Operation Branch Office, using a Beretta gun loaded with 9 mm FMJ (full metal jacket) bullets. These experiments with ballistic test equipment were conducted in accordance with international standards. During the ballistic experiments, the velocity and BFS (backface signature) was measured and evaluated. Test results suggest that five samples were successful according to NIJ 0101-06 standards. It was found that twill woven (TW) fabrics made for the study manifest a higher ballistic performance than plain-woven (PW) fabrics. UD (unidirectional), +/−45° UD fabrics were found to be more effective than 0° UD fabrics. The findings are indicative for the design of lightweight ballistic armor material.

Bu çalışmada, tabakalı hibrit kompozitlerin bireysel zırh malzemesi olarak kullanılabilirliği deneysel olarak araştırılmıştır. Çalışma kapsamında farklı fiber takviye açılarına, farklı tabaka sayılarına ve farklı kalınlıklara sahip Cam Fiber/Aramid Fiber/Karbon Fiber tabakalı kompozit plakaların balistik deneyleri yapılmış ve sonuçları incelenmiştir. Bu amaçla 200x200mm boyutlarındaki 30 tabakalı farklı kalınlıkta 4 adet plaka elle yatırma yöntemi kullanılarak üretilmiştir. Farklı fiber takviye açılarının balistik performansının incelenebilmesi için 0 o , 45 o , plain ve twill kumaşlar kullanılmıştır. Üretimi yapılan tabakalı hibrit kompozit plakaların balistik testleri Elazığ Özel Harekât Şube Müdürlüğü atış poligonlarında Beretta marka tabanca ile 9mm FMJ mermi kullanılarak yapılmıştır.

The growing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly materials has highlighted the need for innovative alternatives to traditional plastics and composites. This study explores the development of polyurethane-based biocomposites synthesized using hydrogenated safflower oil (HSO), hydrogen gas, and a nickel catalyst. Safflower oil was hydrogenated via a catalytic hydrogenation mechanism, transforming carbon–carbon double bonds into saturated fatty acids. The process, optimized using response surface methodology (RSM), was conducted at 225 °C, 8 atmospheres, and 6 h, achieving a yield of 67%. Hydrogenation improved the physical and chemical properties of the biocomposites. Biocomposites were synthesized by combining HSO with methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) as a crosslinker. Optimal performance was observed at 2.5% HSO content, enhancing material properties. However, higher HSO content negatively affected biocomposite density and hardness, and surface morphology analyses revealed that increased HSO content led to irregular pore structures. These findings underscore the balance required in material composition to achieve optimal performance. This study presents a novel approach to producing hydrogenation-modified HSO-based biocomposites, providing an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative for industries such as packaging, construction, and automotive applications. The advancements contribute to reducing environmental impact and enhancing the performance of renewable material technologies.