Fabrication of Polymer Inorganic Composites for Enhanced Mechanical Properties

Abstract

In this research work, mechanical properties have been studied of fiber glass-based composites. Hand lay-up method is being used for the fabrication in which tensile strength is mainly under consideration for different composites based on different layers. Unsaturated polyester is the primary resin used for the fabrication of composites because of its properties. Composites based on epoxy resin also fabricated. A detailed study was performed on the heat of reaction for un-saturated polyester based on different catalyst (MEKP) and co-catalyst (Cobalt) percentage to observe the temperature trend to find out suitable settings for curing process. Also, FTIR used to find out the functional group involved in the composite’s fabrication process. Results showed that there are too many variables which can affect the final properties of composites like curing time, curing temperature, fiber glass type, percentage of resin and many more. In our study we have observed that WR based composites show high mechanical strength as compared to CSM based composites. Tensile strength of composites based on 0/90 layout is high as compared to +45/-45 layout composites. Also, co-catalyst has unique role in curing process whose percentage can vary the curing time and curing process and hence effect the properties according to that. The data obtained from this research work can be used to further enhanced the mechanical properties of composites.