EFFECTS OF SILICON CARBIDE, MILLSCALE, AND MAGNESIA PARTICULATES ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF HYBRID UNSATURATED POLYESTER RESIN MATRIX COMPOSITES

Year 2018, Volume: 1 Issue: 1, 28 - 37, 30.06.2018

Stephen Durowaye , Olatunde Sekunowo Shola Shittu Precious Duru

Abstract

The
efficacy of reinforcement of polyester resin matrix composites with hard
ceramic particles for optimal performance was studied. 5-25 wt. % of silicon
carbide, millscale, and magnesia particles were applied in reinforcing
unsaturated polyester resin matrix by mould casting and the microstructural and
mechanical characteristics of the composites were evaluated. There was uniform
distribution of silicon carbide, millscale, and magnesia particles in the
polymer composites matrix from the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) result. The
highest mechanical properties in terms of ultimate tensile strength (73.75
MPa), flexural strength (74.89 MPa), hardness (98.76 BHN), and impact energy
(24.85 J) was exhibited by the hybrid composite at 15 wt. % reinforcement. This
shows the efficacy of hybridisation and the high potential of the composite for
wider applications.

Keywords

Ceramic particles, polyester resin, hybridisation, mechanical properties

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