Thermal Aging of Menzolit BMC 3100

Abstract

This paper deals with the influence of thermal aging on physical properties of a composite material, Menzolit BMC 3100. First, we present a number of analysis, FTIR (infrared spectroscopy), DSC (differential scanning calorimetry), TMA (thermomechanical analysis), TGA (thermogravimetric analysis), and HDT (heat deflection temperature), to understand the material performance under heat, and then, we carry out a test of toughness and strength using Charpy impact strength and Brinell hardness. Finally, we present optical surface analysis of the material under investigation by carrying out aging analysis at increments from room temperature up to 300°C. It was observed that above 200°C, the material begins to degrade at the surface, especially its organic component, polyester resin. This type of degradation has a negative impact on a variety of its physical properties. Exposure to temperatures above 200°C reduces the material’s hardness, toughness, and shape stability, likewise, material degradation was found to increase with higher thermal loads almost linearly for all the observed properties.