Tensile and flexural properties of polyester composites reinforced by iron filings

Abstract

The effects of iron filings on the tensile and flexural properties of unsaturated polyester reinforced by iron filings have been studied. Particulate polyester composite reinforced by iron filings of different wt. % were synthesised and characterised. The mass percentage of the iron filings, varied from 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 to 30 % were added to unsaturated polyester resin with 2 grams of methyl ethyl ketone peroxide catalyst and 0.5 grams of cobalt naphthalene accelerator to synthesise the composites. Tensile and flexural tests were carried out on the samples. The metallographic study was carried out using an optical microscope and scanning electron microscope. Results showed that tensile properties, including energy absorbed at fracture, percentage elongation, and tensile strength of the composite improved with increasing wt. % of filing particles up to 15 wt. %. This trend was also observed in the flexural strength results. The sample with 15 wt. % iron filings was observed to have the optimum reinforcement effect with a tensile strength of 34.91 MPa, a flexural strength of 111.06 MPa, and a modulus of elasticity of 1581.29 MPa.

Keywords

• iron filings
• polyester
• reinforcement
• tensile strength
• flexural strength